nuke

Definition of nukenext
as in to destroy
to bring to a complete end the physical soundness, existence, or usefulness of a pretty sizable piece of real estate would be nuked if an asteroid struck

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 nuke Now someone posts on social media that COVID-19, tariffs, or the war with Iran is going to nuke toilet paper stock, and strangers across the country start loading up their carts. Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 23 Mar. 2026 Again, not a call to nuke the filibuster exactly, but a demand for legislative action. W. James Antle Iii, The Washington Examiner, 20 Mar. 2026 The moon briefly had a small chance of taking a hit from the asteroid during its close approach in 2032 – prompting one team of scientists to propose simply nuking the space rock. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 9 Mar. 2026 But when fully mature, many seeds still won’t germinate because Mother Nature has trained many plant species to use one of several mechanisms to make sure the seeds don’t germinate in September/October only to get nuked by the onset of winter weather. Paul Cappiello, Louisville Courier Journal, 21 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for nuke
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nuke
Verb
  • The most common type of dementia, which destroys memory and cognitive function, was responsible for 116,022 deaths in 2024, NCHS data shows.
    Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
  • That book is a revenge fantasy about the former art school professor who seduced her, discarded her and destroyed her confidence as a painter.
    The Week UK, TheWeek, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • The East Wing of the White House was demolished suddenly in October 2025, and construction at the site, which will be the location of a new 22,000-square-foot ballroom, has continued through mid-2026.
    Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026
  • Just months later, in October, the East Wing had been demolished without notice to make way for the new ballroom.
    Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.
    Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026
  • After all, plenty of cocktail enthusiasts already complain about mosquitoes ruining a summer evening.
    Emily Price, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • The project has sparked outrage because of the location’s pristine nature and unique habitat that would be irreversibly devastated, according to environmentalists.
    Zana Cimili, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026
  • BangkokReuters — The family of a 17-year-old Thai girl whose body was found in a suitcase in Pattaya said they were devastated by her death, for which an Australian man has been arrested and charged with murder.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • Seconds later, a powerful explosion blasted through the doorway, shattering windows and sending vertical blinds and debris flying as firefighters quickly retreated from the building.
    Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
  • Republican Rick Jackson shattered spending records in Georgia by spending $108 million of his own money into his campaign for governor.
    Greg Bluestein, AJC.com, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • The good news is that dermatologists and makeup artists have figured out how to keep your SPF topped up without wrecking your foundation, blush or setting spray.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026
  • In the history of mankind, socialist success stories are as rare as triple plays in baseball, but plenty of countries have been wrecked by it — Venezuela and Cuba, to name just two.
    Michael Zais, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2026
Verb
  • Powell is accused of smashing the mug over the victim's head.
    Jennifer Borrasso, CBS News, 30 June 2026
  • The van’s windows were smashed and a lone orange traffic cone sat on the hood.
    Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Nuke.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nuke. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.

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