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
Since reliable record-keeping for Austin weather began in the late 1890s, the region has experienced February temperatures ranging from 99 degrees in 1996, to below zero degrees in 1899, along with heavy snowfalls, destructive tornadoes and large hail.
—
Newsroom Meteorologist, Austin American Statesman, 7 Feb. 2026
White’s dialogue is unsentimental but rife with anguish; Owen Teague and a seductive, destructive Abbey Lee give the pain its due.
—Brian Seibert, New Yorker, 6 Feb. 2026
Because of the camp's prior history of flooding, including a destructive flood in 1932, the Eastlands knew that there was a risk for catastrophe at Mystic, the suit said.
—Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 6 Feb. 2026
Utility rate freezes would only disincentivize utility companies from upgrading their transmission infrastructure, possibly setting the stage for more destructive wildfires in the future.
—Rafael Perez, Oc Register, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for destructive
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Newsroom Meteorologist, Austin American Statesman, 7 Feb. 2026
White’s dialogue is unsentimental but rife with anguish; Owen Teague and a seductive, destructive Abbey Lee give the pain its due.
—Brian Seibert, New Yorker, 6 Feb. 2026
Because of the camp's prior history of flooding, including a destructive flood in 1932, the Eastlands knew that there was a risk for catastrophe at Mystic, the suit said.
—Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 6 Feb. 2026
Utility rate freezes would only disincentivize utility companies from upgrading their transmission infrastructure, possibly setting the stage for more destructive wildfires in the future.
—Rafael Perez, Oc Register, 6 Feb. 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 12 Feb. 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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