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

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 annihilation O’Neal’s annihilation of Chris Dudley in 1999 showcased his power, footwork and showmanship. — Jason Jones, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026 Then divers found the deadly sea-star wasting disease — the cause of the species' near-annihilation — surging throughout the San Juans. — John Ryan, NPR, 16 Aug. 2026 Daemon, with his Valyrian steel warhelm and taste for annihilation, is who Rhaenyra needs riding shotgun now that Team Green has established a crown-seeking triumvirate of sons. — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026 The investigation described family annihilations as among the most extreme forms of domestic violence. — Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 14 July 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
  • While images of destruction flooded social media, 68-year-old Chris White, a lifelong resident of Kauai and the owner of a rental home in Poipu, noted that much of the island was spared significant damage.
    — GENE JOHNSON, Arkansas Online, 12 Sep. 2026
  • Palestinians possess no natural gift for grief and there is nothing beautiful about enduring destruction and death.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of destruction
Noun
  • Once there, staring at the devastation, there was no denying the reality of death.
    — Torie Bosch, STAT, 5 Sep. 2026
  • That moment came after floodwaters caused the Guadalupe River to rise to historic levels in the early morning hours of Independence Day, bringing death and devastation to Kerr County and the surrounding area.
    — Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of devastation
Noun
  • The sport itself was, for some time, considered to be on its way to slow extinction.
    — Corey Seymour, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026
  • But a myth about these shy, semi-nocturnal predators may have been behind the species’ extinction.
    — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of extinction
Noun
  • So far, Bailey has shown blazing speed off the edge and an ability to create havoc in the backfield.
    — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Although not a direct hit, Lala dumped nearly 3 feet of rain on the Big Island, bringing widespread havoc.
    — Doyle Rice, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of havoc
Noun
  • Either way, the owners agreed to let Blink-182 film during their demolition.
    — Sarah Shanfield, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Take a look at the demolition of the Rufus Waterman house in Providence, to make way for a mixed-use building, and its sibling building nearby.
    — Will Richmond, The Providence Journal, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of demolition
Noun
  • Across a run of six defeats in seven matches, which left his tenure hanging by a thread, the Forest and Brighton losses were the worst.
    — Beren Cross, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Rice lipids and jojoba oil seal in moisture and replenish the skin barrier, while 2% ectoin soothes redness and protects against water loss.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of loss
Noun
  • The ongoing tempest includes Camille Sims (Alexandria Riley) having to prevent a Safeguard extermination as the new Head of IT this year, and the revelation of ex-security chief Robert Sims (Common) regarding Bernard (Tim Robbins).
    — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Decreasing habitat, poaching, and extermination are some of the reasons why cheetahs are endangered.
    — Michelle Richardson, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of extermination

Browse Nearby Words

annihilating
annihilation
annihilations
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Cite this Entry

“Annihilation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/annihilation. Accessed 14 Sep. 2026.

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