raze

1 of 2

verb

ˈrāz 

razed; razing

transitive verb

1

: to destroy to the ground : demolish

raze an old building

2

a

: to scrape, cut, or shave off

b

archaic : erase

razer noun

razer

2 of 2

noun

raz·​er ˈrā-zər 

plural -s

: one that razes

Synonyms of raze

Verb

• demolish
• destroy
• ruin
• shatter
• devastate

Examples of raze in a Sentence

Verb

an entire city block razed by a terrible fire

the developer razed the old school building and built a high-rise condominium complex

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

The main home was razed after a 1925 earthquake, and the estate was later subdivided into 34 parcels. — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 20 Aug. 2026

Aside from a 2015 20th anniversary gig at (ready-to-be-razed) RFK Stadium, the Foos have mostly hit arenas and intimate specialty shows in the area. — Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026

The queen is hysterical when Orwyle informs her that Sunfyre has razed the Mooton army outside Maidenpool. — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026

In March, Nebraska’s Morrill Fire tore through 642,000 acres to become the largest in state history, killing one person and razing vast stretches of cattle country. — Martin Goillandeau, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

alteration of rase

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for raze

• baize
• bays
• blase
• blaze
• braes
• braze
• chaise
• claes
• clays
• craze
• dais
• days

Kids Definition

raze

verb

ˈrāz 

razed; razing

: to destroy completely by knocking down or breaking to pieces : demolish

razed the building