extinction

noun

ex·tinc·tion | \ ik-ˈstiŋ(k)-shən

Definition of extinction

1 : the act of making extinct or causing to be extinguished

2 : the condition or fact of being extinct or extinguished also : the process of becoming extinct extinction of a species

3 : the process of eliminating or reducing a conditioned response by not reinforcing it

Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about extinction

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Examples of extinction in a Sentence

the extinction of all life in the region the extinction of many old traditions Mass extinctions of prehistoric animals are known to have occurred.

Recent Examples on the Web

This species now has a fighting chance for survival and to rebound from the brink of extinction. — Janet Mcconnaughey, The Seattle Times, "NOAA: Bryde’s whales in Gulf of Mexico are endangered," 12 Apr. 2019 At least as satisfying for the Bulldogs has been the reversal of fortune in the 4-miler, which once faced extinction because of Harvard’s dominance. — John Powers, BostonGlobe.com, "Steve Gladstone has Yale crew at the top," 7 June 2018 Many Americans know the sad tale of how the American chestnut tree was driven almost to extinction in the 20th century. — Charles C. Mann, WSJ, "Let’s Farm Chestnuts Again," 9 May 2019 The United Nations just issued its first Global Assessment report since 2005, with the stunning proclamation that 25 of all species on Earth are vulnerable to extinction. — David Grossman, Popular Mechanics, "Our Planet Just Got a Health Check, and the Diagnosis Is Grim," 6 May 2019 Fiercely loyal alumnae of Sweet Briar College had just brought their school back from extinction. — Allen C. Guelzo, WSJ, "America’s Disappearing Private Colleges," 21 Feb. 2019 Leading killer-whale scientists and researchers are calling for removal of four dams on the Lower Snake River and a boost of water over the dams to save southern resident killer whales from extinction. — Lynda V. Mapes, The Seattle Times, "Orca survival may be impossible without Lower Snake River dam removal, scientists say," 15 Oct. 2018 Suddenly, Laika, Ham, and her pups need to come up with a plan to outwit their human foes and save this intergalactic animal kingdom from extinction. — Nathan Mattise, Ars Technica, "Laika: Forget historic tragedy, this first space dog saves alien planets," 14 Oct. 2018 Several groups on Wednesday said the loss of the calf highlights the need for quick action in order to save orcas from extinction. — Kathleen Joyce, Fox News, "Devastating photos show grieving orca pushing dead calf to water surface for two days," 27 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'extinction.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.