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 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 The protagonist Ryland Grace is a lone astronaut who must not only save himself but the entire earth from annihilation. — Esther K. Choy, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026 The Hessian mercenaries hired by the British to assist in the annihilation of the Continental Army were taking no prisoners. — Paul Callahan, Baltimore Sun, 14 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
  • In the end, scientists said, the destruction that follows is rarely an act of nature alone.
    — Syra Ortiz-Blanes, Miami Herald, 24 July 2026
  • Demand destruction is still mostly winning out over supply constraints.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 24 July 2026
Definition of destruction
Noun
  • Burnham has criticized Starmer's approach to Israel's war with Hamas and the devastation of Gaza.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 July 2026
  • Their stories recount the devastation to homes and businesses, life in temporary shelters, and the difficult process of rebuilding or relocating.
    — Michelle Oliva-Espinosa, Kansas City Star, 18 July 2026
Definition of devastation
Noun
  • There are wild yaks, which face the risk of extinction and are protected under Chinese law.
    — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
  • But it can also be read to argue that something well short of an extinction-level event can introduce real historical discontinuity.
    — Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 25 July 2026
Definition of extinction
Noun
  • Hundreds of homes and businesses in Queens were without power Sunday after a sudden storm caused havoc across the city a day earlier, flooding major highways and leaving motorists stranded.
    — John Annese, New York Daily News, 19 July 2026
  • Bernthal’s biggest scenes are flashbacks to the Trojan War, as Menelaus and his army wreak bloody havoc on Troy that haunts Odysseus for many years after.
    — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 16 July 2026
Definition of havoc
Noun
  • The indictment alleged Cacioppo sent invoices to a Rockhurst University employee for demolition and asbestos abatement work that inflated costs or billed for work that was never done.
    — Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026
  • Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for the demolition of Palestinian villages in the area in response to the killings.
    — Abeer Salman, CNN Money, 24 July 2026
Definition of demolition
Noun
  • Coming off a 4-0 loss to Orlando City on Wednesday to restart their MLS season after a two-month World Cup break, the Quakes dominated possession and outshot the Galaxy 19-9.
    — Harold Gutmann, Mercury News, 26 July 2026
  • After Saturday’s 7-2 loss to the San Diego Padres, the Marlins tied a franchise record with 11 straight losses.
    — Tyler M. Carmona, Miami Herald, 26 July 2026
Definition of loss
Noun
  • If, after applying these treatment measures and preventative actions, the problem persists, seek professional pest extermination services.
    — Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 July 2026
  • Grossman arrived at Treblinka—which consisted of separate labor and extermination camps—not long after the Germans had killed nearly all the remaining prisoners and withdrawn.
    — Madeleine Wulfahrt, New Yorker, 8 July 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 26 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on annihilation

Nglish: Translation of annihilation for Spanish Speakers

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