destructive

adjective

de·struc·tive di-ˈstrək-tiv

Synonyms of destructive next

: causing destruction : ruinous

destructive storm

: 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 At the destructive end of existence, Scott is no less economical. —

Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 22 Nov. 2023 Advertisement Business How destructive was that SpaceX Starship liftoff? —

Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 18 Nov. 2023 But as gun violence has grown more common, state lawmakers have increasingly restricted access to government records documenting its destructive impact, such as photos and videos showing mutilated bodies and audio recordings capturing children’s cries. —

Isaac Stanley-Becker, Washington Post, 16 Nov. 2023 Ramesh Pathania/Mint via Getty Images More than two dozen private space companies have signed on to a statement that supports an end to destructive anti-satellite testing in space. —

Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 15 Nov. 2023 The pallets on the lot acted as kindling for the destructive blaze that burned through trailers and vehicles lying underneath the 10 Freeway. —

Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 13 Nov. 2023 Here’s how a few regions were affected by the extreme heat: Extreme heat fueled destructive rainfall because a warmer atmosphere holds more water vapor, which lets storms release more precipitation. —

Isabella O'Malley, Fortune, 9 Nov. 2023 Because space junk can move at extraordinary velocities, a floating screw might pack a destructive punch equivalent to a small bomb. —

Jon Gertner, New York Times, 8 Nov. 2023 The rocket’s second outing followed what was a fiery and destructive debut earlier this year. —

Denise Chow, NBC News, 18 Nov. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'destructive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.