1
as in to ruin
to bring to a complete end the physical soundness, existence, or usefulness of
they practically destroyed the safe in order to get at the money inside their poor scores on the final exam destroyed any chance they might have had to pass the course
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to ravage
to bring destruction to (something) through violent action
wildfires destroyed thousands of acres in forests across the state
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to kill
to deprive of life
regrettably, the veterinarian was forced to destroy the injured horse
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of destroy
That said, Gilroy wasn't trying to emotionally destroy his audience.
—
Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 14 May 2025
What To Know State Farm requested emergency rate increases of 22 percent for non-tenant homeowners, 15 percent for renters and condos, and 38 percent for rental dwelling back on February 3, right after the devastating wildfires that destroyed entire neighborhoods in Los Angeles County.
—Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025
In our times of diminishing box office receipts, there is, ironically, no greater demonstration of cinema’s enduring power than in the actions of those who try to destroy it.
—Zac Ntim, Deadline, 14 May 2025
To allow these courts to be destroyed to make pickleball courts is just wrong.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 3 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for destroy
Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 14 May 2025
What To Know State Farm requested emergency rate increases of 22 percent for non-tenant homeowners, 15 percent for renters and condos, and 38 percent for rental dwelling back on February 3, right after the devastating wildfires that destroyed entire neighborhoods in Los Angeles County.
—Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025
In our times of diminishing box office receipts, there is, ironically, no greater demonstration of cinema’s enduring power than in the actions of those who try to destroy it.
—Zac Ntim, Deadline, 14 May 2025
To allow these courts to be destroyed to make pickleball courts is just wrong.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 3 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for destroy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for destroy
Verb
-
However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.—
Daniella Segura,
Sacbee.com,
9 May 2025
-
Sonos is very, very sorry for ruining your speaker system.—
Boone Ashworth,
Wired News,
9 May 2025
Verb
-
Multiple myeloma is a blood cancer that ravages bone, leaving distinctive holes in its wake.—
David Armstrong,
CNN Money,
10 May 2025
-
This is an inexperienced squad which has been ravaged by injuries.—
Andy Naylor,
New York Times,
2 May 2025
Verb
-
After a preliminary investigation, authorities determined the father fatally stabbed his sons and wife before killing himself.—
Natalie Neysa Alund,
USA Today,
13 May 2025
-
Navigating Pricing Complexity Pricing complexity can kill B2B growth.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
12 May 2025
Verb
-
WIth Jarren Duran on first with a one-out single in the sixth, Devers demolished Lugo’s first pitch, a 91.8 mph four-seamer.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Hartford Courant,
11 May 2025
-
If anything, Gunther should absolutely demolish the beloved McAfee as a way of getting back on the right foot following a surprise submission defeat to Jey Uso at WrestleMania 40.—
Blake Oestriecher,
Forbes.com,
10 May 2025
Verb
-
Beyond the immediate dead, the refugees, destroyed agriculture, loss of economic capacity, all would utterly devastate China.—
Suwanna Gauntlett Upjohn,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2025
-
Independent cinema—arguably the heart of artistic risk and innovation, would be devastated.—
Matt Robison,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 May 2025
Verb
-
Karen Carter, 65, was discovered slain in Dordogne, in southwestern France, on April 29, the BBC reported, citing the state prosecutor.—
Samira Asma-Sadeque,
People.com,
7 May 2025
-
The number of people slain so far in 2025: 116. Chicago homicides, by year Data for 2025 is updated through April 30, 2025.—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
5 May 2025
Verb
-
His family confirmed his identity in a GoFundMe fundraiser, which has so far raised upwards of $35,000 to support his family, shattering its $5,000 goal.—
Jessica Schladebeck,
New York Daily News,
10 May 2025
-
Israel resumed its bombardment in Gaza on March 18, shattering a two-month ceasefire with Hamas.—
Wafaa Shurafa,
Chicago Tribune,
10 May 2025
Verb
-
That predecessor was wrecked May 9, 1980, when a freighter, lost in the vicious storm, broadsided the southbound span of the twin bridge and knocked down a 1,260-foot section of roadway.—
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
8 May 2025
-
They were meant to stop drivers from careening across who were wrecking his soybeans.—
Riley Robinson,
Christian Science Monitor,
6 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Destroy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/destroy. Accessed 20 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share