Definition of decapitatenext
as in to head
to cut off the head of a particularly gruesome series of murders in which the victims were decapitated

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 decapitate The statue was decapitated in late 2022, though its head has since been reattached. Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 6 Mar. 2026 Her body was found in a duffel bag, nearly decapitated, police said. Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2026 After June 2025, when Israel (for 12 days) and the United States (for one) launched strikes aimed at crippling Iran’s nuclear program and decapitating the IRGC leadership, Khamenei curtailed public appearances. Karl Vick, Time, 28 Feb. 2026 One day, Clark, who rides his recumbent bike into the city, is reporting on a cyclone when he nearly gets decapitated by a flying stop sign. Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 27 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for decapitate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decapitate
Verb
  • Then, Moore headed to Los Angeles to present the award for achievement in cinematography at the 2026 Academy Awards.
    Pamela Vázquez, Glamour, 16 Mar. 2026
  • They’re headed to a major global tourist destination — a city with beautiful beaches and balmy weather — for the school’s spring break.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 16 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • While Elizabeth's Buffy does get beheaded late in Scary Movie, most of the characters have died and then magically been fine once the next outing begins.
    Derek Lawrence, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Mar. 2026
  • This was a one-time golden opportunity to behead the monster with a single blow before those key leaders scattered to the wind.
    U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Decapitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decapitate. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on decapitate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster