WRECKAGE Synonyms: 86 Similar and Opposite Words

wreckage

noun

ˈre-kij

Definition of wreckage

as in devastation

the state or fact of being rendered nonexistent, physically unsound, or useless the wreckage of those ancient statues represents a great loss to the art world

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in rubble

the portion or bits of something left over or behind after it has been destroyed the wreckage of the cathedral was kept as a memorial and as a reminder of war's terrible cost

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in wrecking

the destruction or loss of a ship debris floated ashore for weeks after the wreckage

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of wreckage For the fourth time this year, storms have torn through the western suburbs, and one village is turning the wreckage into something useful. — Tara Molina, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026 Others are left to clean up the wreckage, while thousands remain without power. — Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 17 Aug. 2026 Green said the wreckage on the highway created a new waterfall and caused damage to small bridges, while also cutting off power. — Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026 The summit itself turned out to be a failure, but Washington and Moscow later climbed over its wreckage to reach new agreements. — Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wreckage

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wreckage

Noun

The story is set in 1940 amid the bombings and devastation of World War II in Europe.

— Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 23 Aug. 2026
Long-term survivors embody both the devastation of the early epidemic and the gains made possible by decades of scientific, clinical, and community effort.

— Jeff Berry, STAT, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of devastation

Noun

Rescuers have been combing through rubble from Friday’s attack on Kryvyi Rih, Zelensky’s hometown, which has been targeted multiple times during the four-year-war.

— Kosta Gak, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
Emergency crews were at the scene and pulled people out from under the rubble.

— ABC News, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of rubble

Noun

Despite the destruction, officials said no injuries had been reported in the city.

— Ross DiMattei, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
Her home was not damaged during the back-to-back hurricanes that hit Florida in 2024, but many people close to her experienced flooding and other destruction to their homes, businesses and schools.

— Jessica Meszaros, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of destruction

Noun

Nonetheless, the costs of intercepting incoming munitions could prove particularly high if targets are engaged over populated areas, with drones, defensive munitions and falling debris all posing risks to people and property on the ground.

— David Brennan, ABC News, 21 Aug. 2026
Photos and video shared on social media show debris thrown in the air and pummeling rain as a possible tornado touched down at Atlantic Beach on Long Island's outer barrier.

— CBS News, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of debris

Noun

The teens walked away from the wreck with few injuries and tried to run, but authorities apprehended them shortly afterward, officials said.

— Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 26 Aug. 2026
The first big wreck came when David Malukas went into the wall and Sting Ray Robb could do little to avoid crashing into him coming around a turn.

— CBS News, CBS News, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of wreck

Noun

His worldview has brought nothing but havoc to Americans, whereas Parton provided a guidebook for a national redemption.

— Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
After a stop in the NFL, former Mississippi tight end Dae’Quan Wright could be heading to LSU thanks to a court order that is creating havoc throughout college sports by allowing Wright and others an unexpected fifth year of eligibility.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of havoc

Noun

A little under three miles away, the ruins of the original Strancally Castle date back much further, to the 12th century.

— Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 21 Aug. 2026
Take a walk around Baixa Chiado, marvel at the Santa Justa outdoor lift connecting the lower areas of the Baixa with the higher Carmo Square, and head to the ruins of an old church at Carmo Archaeological Museum.

— Ann Lee, TheWeek, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of ruins

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wreck

wreckage

wreckages

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Style

“Wreckage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wreckage. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of wreckage

noun

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