destructive
adjective
de·struc·tive
di-ˈstrək-tiv 
1
: causing destruction : ruinous
destructive storm
2
: designed or tending to hurt or destroy
destructive criticism
destructively
adverb
destructiveness
noun
Examples of destructive in a Sentence
It was one of the most destructive storms in recent memory.
She argued that the law was destructive of personal liberties.
The school is concerned about the destructive behavior of a few students.
Recent Examples on the Web
One fundamental issue is extreme tribalism’s destructive momentum toward distrust and disdain of others.
—
Steven D. Reske, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026
The West has already experienced uncharacteristically early and destructive events, bringing concerns for a perilous fire season.
—Kasha Patel, CNN Money, 23 May 2026
Abnormally warm waters in the Atlantic raise the risk that at least one very large, destructive hurricane will form, potentially threatening the tens of millions of people living in areas vulnerable to flooding, wind damage and coastal storm surges.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 22 May 2026
South Bend Farmers Market, South Bend, Indiana Started in 1911 on a bridge, this historic market has grown year after year—even a destructive fire in 1971 couldn't halt its progress.
—Jen Crystal, Midwest Living, 22 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for destructive
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Steven D. Reske, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026
The West has already experienced uncharacteristically early and destructive events, bringing concerns for a perilous fire season.
—Kasha Patel, CNN Money, 23 May 2026
Abnormally warm waters in the Atlantic raise the risk that at least one very large, destructive hurricane will form, potentially threatening the tens of millions of people living in areas vulnerable to flooding, wind damage and coastal storm surges.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 22 May 2026
South Bend Farmers Market, South Bend, Indiana Started in 1911 on a bridge, this historic market has grown year after year—even a destructive fire in 1971 couldn't halt its progress.
—Jen Crystal, Midwest Living, 22 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for destructive
Cite this Entry
“Destructive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/destructive. Accessed 27 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
destructive
adjective
de·struc·tive
di-ˈstrək-tiv
1
: causing destruction : ruinous
a destructive storm
2
: designed or tending to hurt or destroy
destructive criticism
destructively
adverb
destructiveness
noun
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