as in destruction
the state or fact of being rendered nonexistent, physically unsound, or useless
the state's population of moose has been replenished, having once been hunted almost to extinction
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of extinction
Animals and plants on the brink of extinction can be given another chance when people take action.
—
The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 2 Oct. 2025
One year ago, Colossal Biosciences' first dire wolves returned from extinction.
—Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025
That has left dozens of species on the verge of extinction.
—Eyder Peralta, NPR, 28 Sep. 2025
Within two decades of this writing, massive hurricanes and wildfires will be the norm, coastal cities will be inundated and perhaps abandoned, the planet’s sixth great extinction will continue unabated.
—Ed Simon
september 24, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for extinction
The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 2 Oct. 2025
One year ago, Colossal Biosciences' first dire wolves returned from extinction.
—Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025
That has left dozens of species on the verge of extinction.
—Eyder Peralta, NPR, 28 Sep. 2025
Within two decades of this writing, massive hurricanes and wildfires will be the norm, coastal cities will be inundated and perhaps abandoned, the planet’s sixth great extinction will continue unabated.
—Ed Simon
september 24, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for extinction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extinction
Noun
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Shackleton blamed the sinking of the Endurance on the destruction of its rudder; for more than a century, historians accepted this explanation.—
Mindy Weisberger,
CNN Money,
6 Oct. 2025
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They’re often greeted with the sight of their mischievous pup climbing onto furniture or causing destruction while unattended.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Tuesday marks two years since the Israel-Hamas war began, bringing devastation across the region.—
Mary Kekatos,
ABC News,
7 Oct. 2025
-
After two years of devastation in Gaza, conditions appeared set to make a lasting ceasefire at least possible, if not probable.—
Ruth Margalit,
New Yorker,
4 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Jilly will undoubtedly be best remembered for her chart-topping series The Rutshire Chronicles and its havoc-making and handsome show-jumping hero Rupert Campbell-Black.—
Mekishana Pierre,
Entertainment Weekly,
6 Oct. 2025
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In total, Elanga provided five first-half crosses and, while only Gordon’s counted as ‘completed’, that does a disservice to the havoc the Sweden international caused.—
Chris Waugh,
New York Times,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
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According to Hanke, Milei’s big loss in the Buenos Aires contest and the acceleration in the peso’s decline confirmed the Money Doctor’s warning that the inevitable lure for mismanaging the peso was Milei’s Achilles’ heel.—
Shawn Tully,
Fortune,
8 Oct. 2025
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Completely outplayed by the Brewers thus far in a National League Division Series, the Cubs are teetering on the brink of elimination after Monday night’s 7-3 loss at American Family Field.—
Patrick Mooney,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The sign — fixed high on the outside wall of the black and red painted concrete block building — was to be removed before demolition and donated to the Wisconsin Black Historical Society/ Museum under the requirements of the demolition contract.—
Mary Spicuzza,
jsonline.com,
6 Oct. 2025
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In 1983, a report estimated that, since 1970, New York City had lost approximately three hundred and ten thousand apartments to abandonment or demolition—many were burned.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
6 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Besides extermination, these companies also may be able to assist with locating and sealing entry points or making other recommendations for exclusion.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
1 Oct. 2025
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An extermination of the brutes in the Middle East, presided over by Obama’s successors, has been followed by a swift cancellation by Trumpian decree of the postracial age.—
Pankaj Mishra,
Harpers Magazine,
19 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Extinction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extinction. Accessed 11 Oct. 2025.
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