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
But environmentalists say the project is a destructive boondoggle.
—
Arkansas Online, 8 Mar. 2026
One of the most destructive hit the small city of Beggs, about 30 miles south of Tulsa.
—Richard Mize, Oklahoman, 7 Mar. 2026
The new bridge survived the massive 1913 and 1937 floods, as well as the destructive ice gorges, or ice jams, that struck Riverside Park in the 1910s.
—IndyStar, 6 Mar. 2026
With such a destructive geopolitical conflict driven by several strongmen leaders, the industry was always going to feel the ramifications.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for destructive
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Arkansas Online, 8 Mar. 2026
One of the most destructive hit the small city of Beggs, about 30 miles south of Tulsa.
—Richard Mize, Oklahoman, 7 Mar. 2026
The new bridge survived the massive 1913 and 1937 floods, as well as the destructive ice gorges, or ice jams, that struck Riverside Park in the 1910s.
—IndyStar, 6 Mar. 2026
With such a destructive geopolitical conflict driven by several strongmen leaders, the industry was always going to feel the ramifications.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 6 Mar. 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 10 Mar. 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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