annihilation

noun

ə-ˌnī-ə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce annihilation (audio)
Definition of annihilationnext
as in destruction
the state or fact of being rendered nonexistent, physically unsound, or useless idealists who seek the annihilation of all forms of prejudice

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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 annihilation Thus, dark matter annihilation is only a factor when this mysterious stuff is densely clustered in a region like the heart of a galaxy. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 21 June 2026 In the early days of the US and Israeli war on Iran, situation monitors were abuzz at the revelation that the Pentagon had used top large language models to identify targets for annihilation via air strikes. — Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 18 June 2026 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel and his far-right government of Jewish supremacists launched a war of annihilation right back. — Thomas L. Friedman, Mercury News, 16 June 2026 Netanyahu said the campaigns had spared Israel from the threat of nuclear annihilation. — Amelie Botbol, FOXNews.com, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for annihilation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for annihilation
  1. destruction
  2. devastation
  3. extinction
  4. havoc
  5. demolition
  6. loss
  7. extermination
Noun
  • Since October 2023, the number and severity of settler attacks have skyrocketed, including arson and other destruction of property, the killing of livestock, violent assaults and murder, taking place almost every day.
    — Kamel Musallet, Sun Sentinel, 7 Aug. 2026
  • While the film has long been remembered for ambition, excess, and destruction, Tyga saw another narrative waiting beneath the chaos—a love story.
    — Desjah Altvater, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of destruction
Noun
  • But although smallpox’s European origins are clear based on the timeline of its devastation, epidemiologists have yet to identify strong genetic evidence to support this arc.
    — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 30 July 2026
  • In 2016, a series of massive earthquakes killed 275 people, injured thousands more and caused widespread devastation, with more than 200,000 homes damaged.
    — Arion McNicoll, TheWeek, 29 July 2026
Definition of devastation
Noun
  • This system plays a role in modulating stress responsivity, fear extinction, emotional memory consolidation, and sleep–wake regulation.
    — Dario Sabaghi, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • But this is more important, in respect to the extinction crisis and the role the reptile trade plays in the global wildlife and exotic animal trade.
    — Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of extinction
Noun
  • Iran has aimed significant firepower at its neighbors’ refineries, oil exports and tourist attractions, inflicting economic havoc on the Gulf states and the countries that do business with them.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
  • This can create a tricky situation if those roots are causing havoc around your home’s foundation or otherwise disrupting your landscaping.
    — Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of havoc
Noun
  • The White House announced the construction of the 90,000-square foot ballroom last July, and demolition began suddenly on the East Wing in late October when workers were spotted tearing down that wing of the White House.
    — Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Last week, the UN human rights chief Volker Türk called on Israel to end its occupation and halt the demolition of homes.
    — Ava Bambuck, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of demolition
Noun
  • Even with Saturday’s loss, the Red Sox (64-52) have won 11 of their past 13.
    — Curt Anderson, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
  • The loss dropped Orlando to 2-5 since returning to action from the league’s summer break.
    — Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of loss
Noun
  • The chain of events that led to another extermination began when Lauren Cohan’s Maggie and Jeffrey Dean Morgan’s Negan captured their season 2 nemesis, the Dama (Lisa Emery), after the big bad had her men attack them.
    — Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Aug. 2026
  • However, the category of pest has often provided an overly simple framework for targeting other animals for extermination, in many cases with serious ecological consequences.
    — Elan Abrell, The Conversation, 22 July 2026
Definition of extermination

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annihilation
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Cite this Entry

“Annihilation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/annihilation. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on annihilation

Nglish: Translation of annihilation for Spanish Speakers

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