1
as in to ruin
to bring to a complete end the physical soundness, existence, or usefulness of
they practically destroyed the safe in order to get at the money inside their poor scores on the final exam destroyed any chance they might have had to pass the course
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to ravage
to bring destruction to (something) through violent action
wildfires destroyed thousands of acres in forests across the state
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to kill
to deprive of life
regrettably, the veterinarian was forced to destroy the injured horse
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of destroy
Black residents had already been moving away because of gentrification before the fires and saw their homes severely damaged or destroyed at higher rates than other groups during the blaze.
—
Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025
The Association of American Universities sued the Department of Health & Human Services and the NIH in February over NIH funding cuts the group said would destroy medical research at American universities and put quality of life in the US at stake.
—ArsTechnica, 1 May 2025
Stefano Guidi / Getty Images Philippines Protesters destroy an effigy with the face of Filipino President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and President Trump during a Labour Day demonstration in Manila on May 1, 2025.
—CBS News, 1 May 2025
Resentful and determined to destroy Serbia, Austria-Hungary instead precipitated a world war that destroyed the empire itself and much else.
—Margaret MacMillan, The Atlantic, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for destroy
Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025
The Association of American Universities sued the Department of Health & Human Services and the NIH in February over NIH funding cuts the group said would destroy medical research at American universities and put quality of life in the US at stake.
—ArsTechnica, 1 May 2025
Stefano Guidi / Getty Images Philippines Protesters destroy an effigy with the face of Filipino President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and President Trump during a Labour Day demonstration in Manila on May 1, 2025.
—CBS News, 1 May 2025
Resentful and determined to destroy Serbia, Austria-Hungary instead precipitated a world war that destroyed the empire itself and much else.
—Margaret MacMillan, The Atlantic, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for destroy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for destroy
Verb
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However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.—
Daniella Segura,
Sacbee.com,
9 May 2025
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Sonos is very, very sorry for ruining your speaker system.—
Boone Ashworth,
Wired News,
9 May 2025
Verb
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Four months ago, in the weeks after the devastating wildfires that ravaged Pacific Palisades, Roberts received a message from a friend involved with the Palisades Charter High School baseball team, inviting him to speak at one of their preseason practices.—
Jack Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2025
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Other crags—like Elephant Knob in the Sierras, and parts of Cochiti Mesa, New Mexico—are permanently unclimbable, even decades after the fires ravaged the area.—
Hannah Provost,
Outside Online,
26 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Outdoors Summer Camp in Chatham Two 7-year-olds, an 8-year-old and an 18-year-old died in the crash, the Sangamon County Coroner's Office said The four victims killed after a vehicle crashed into their after-school camp in Illinois have been identified by authorities.—
Becca Longmire,
People.com,
30 Apr. 2025
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One participant, Thomas Bragg, discovered how to talk about his friendship with Eddie Lama, who was killed in action.—
Made by History,
Time,
30 Apr. 2025
Verb
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His effect on next-door Canada, however, has been to demolish America’s reputation.—
David Frum,
The Atlantic,
29 Apr. 2025
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The Pennsylvania home where Yankees great Reggie Jackson spent his childhood was demolished Monday.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
28 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Clyde has said that he’ll be devastated to leave his playoff booth duties behind, and local Knicks supporters who hang on his every word for six months each year are equally bummed at the prospect.—
Anthony Crupi,
Sportico.com,
2 May 2025
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Meanwhile, Prince Harry just lost his a legal appeal for his security detailing in the U.K. and the decision devastated him.—
Lea Veloso,
StyleCaster,
2 May 2025
Verb
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But slaying the demon of negative amortization could be far more consequential, Cooper of the AEI stated.—
Shahar Ziv,
Forbes.com,
28 Apr. 2025
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Her talent, truth, and impact will never be forgotten, and her legacy will continue to slay—always.—
Mohammed Soliman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Apr. 2025
Verb
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His family confirmed his identity in a GoFundMe fundraiser, which has so far raised upwards of $35,000 to support his family, shattering its $5,000 goal.—
Jessica Schladebeck,
New York Daily News,
10 May 2025
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O’Brien ranks 22nd in NCAA history in career caused turnovers with 160, which shatters Lacey Leigh Hentz’s previous school record of 146.—
Edward Lee,
Baltimore Sun,
10 May 2025
Verb
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That predecessor was wrecked May 9, 1980, when a freighter, lost in the vicious storm, broadsided the southbound span of the twin bridge and knocked down a 1,260-foot section of roadway.—
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
8 May 2025
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However, according to the World Bank, the economy was already the best before Trump’s economic policies wrecked it.—
Tom Zirpoli,
Baltimore Sun,
6 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Destroy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/destroy. Accessed 13 May. 2025.
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