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
In a new study published in PLOS, researchers analyzed 161 fossils with a new rapid and non-destructive protocol, based on stimulating the bone remains with an external energy source, called luminescence.
—
Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 6 June 2026
But none of it is as destructive as his plan for eventually doing away with homestead property taxes.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 6 June 2026
The new findings add to concerns about the toxic fallout left behind by the most destructive wildfires in Southern California’s recent history.
—Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026
Pratt, who has heavily criticized city leadership's handling of the destructive blaze as well as the homelessness crisis, showed initial strength compared to Raman but his progress slowed in LA County ballot drops on Wednesday.
—Austin Turner, CBS News, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for destructive
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Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 6 June 2026
But none of it is as destructive as his plan for eventually doing away with homestead property taxes.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 6 June 2026
The new findings add to concerns about the toxic fallout left behind by the most destructive wildfires in Southern California’s recent history.
—Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026
Pratt, who has heavily criticized city leadership's handling of the destructive blaze as well as the homelessness crisis, showed initial strength compared to Raman but his progress slowed in LA County ballot drops on Wednesday.
—Austin Turner, CBS News, 4 June 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 Jun. 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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