1
as in to eradicate
to destroy all traces of
the family's attempts to annihilate the roach population in their apartment had met with little success
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to destroy
to bring to a complete end the physical soundness, existence, or usefulness of
the tornado simply annihilated the family's home
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to overcome
to defeat by a large margin
we didn't just win; we absolutely annihilated them!
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of annihilate
As the Universe expands and cools, the cross-section drops, and eventually, dark matter stops annihilating away or interacting with anything else in any appreciable way.
—
Big Think, 29 Jan. 2026
The grief and guilt annihilated our worth.
—Jennifer W. Tsai, STAT, 18 Jan. 2026
Indiana’s defense is masterful, a plug-and-play roster that is annihilating opponents without its leading tackler.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 10 Jan. 2026
Cushionaire Platform Ankle Boots These platform ankle boots look shockingly similar to more expensive pairs, but won’t annihilate your holiday gift budget — or your feet on long travel days.
—Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 20 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for annihilate
Big Think, 29 Jan. 2026
The grief and guilt annihilated our worth.
—Jennifer W. Tsai, STAT, 18 Jan. 2026
Indiana’s defense is masterful, a plug-and-play roster that is annihilating opponents without its leading tackler.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 10 Jan. 2026
Cushionaire Platform Ankle Boots These platform ankle boots look shockingly similar to more expensive pairs, but won’t annihilate your holiday gift budget — or your feet on long travel days.
—Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 20 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for annihilate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for annihilate
Verb
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Applying herbicides is the most effective way to eradicate honeysuckle, but natural methods work if done correctly.—
Lee Wallender,
The Spruce,
19 Feb. 2026
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Yet Aii has struggled to achieve more than a handful of percentage points of its goal of eradicating 100 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions by the decade’s end.—
Jasmin Malik Chua,
Sourcing Journal,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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In eastern Afghanistan, the Department of Information and Culture accused Pakistan of targeting civilian areas, destroying homes and killing at least 11 people.—
MUNIR AHMED,
Arkansas Online,
1 Mar. 2026
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The Democrat said Iran’s defenses were weakened and Saturday there was an opportunity to destroy remaining military assets.—
Anthony Shoemaker,
The Columbus Dispatch,
1 Mar. 2026
Verb
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In their recusal motion aimed at the prosecutor, the defense lawyers had to overcome a high bar to prevail.—
Jay Weaver,
Miami Herald,
24 Feb. 2026
-
To reach the state meet, Riley Kongkaeow has had to overcome an injury that limited her to 22 matches.—
Bobby Narang,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Another White 3-pointer — his fourth of the half — erased the Suns’ double-digit lead.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
25 Feb. 2026
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Smartphone makers have over the years gradually infused software with more AI tools—like the ability to search for something just by circling it on screen or erasing unwanted objects from photos.—
Lisa Eadicicco,
CNN Money,
25 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The referendum sought funds to expand and renovate the school's North Campus building and demolish the school's South Campus building.—
Alec Johnson,
jsonline.com,
27 Feb. 2026
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The city had permitted the project to partially demolish a preexisting, two-story, two-unit dwelling, which was planned to be enlarged into a four-story, seven-unit building, a DOB spokesman said.—
Colin Mixson,
New York Daily News,
26 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Derrick White hit back-to-back 3s to wake up the building, and after Brooklyn responded again, Baylor Scheierman buried Boston’s fifth 3-pointer in five tries to push the Celtics back up six.—
C.J. Holmes,
New York Daily News,
28 Feb. 2026
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Then Leighton Ozawa stepped up and buried her attempt, giving the Wildcats a 3-2 lead.—
Christian Babcock,
Mercury News,
28 Feb. 2026
Verb
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And a 2025 Gallup poll suggests more than half of Americans are ready to abolish DST as well.—
Korin Miller,
SELF,
25 Feb. 2026
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The 55 mph limit was effectively phased out in 1987; federal speed limits were abolished in 1995.—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Feb. 2026
Verb
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However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.—
Don Sweeney,
Sacbee.com,
1 Mar. 2026
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Cops say the $89 pair of boots were ruined.—
Colin Mixson,
New York Daily News,
1 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Annihilate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/annihilate. Accessed 3 Mar. 2026.
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