decimate

verb

ˈde-sə-ˌmāt How to pronounce decimate (audio)
Definition of decimatenext
as in to destroy
to bring to a complete end the physical soundness, existence, or usefulness of the army's attack decimated the enemy's defenses beyond repair

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 decimate The funeral comes as Iran seeks to project stability after months of war that decimated much of its senior political and military leadership. — Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 4 July 2026 The chicks are part of a global effort to reintroduce the species, which was decimated by the invasive brown tree snake. — Finch Walker, USA Today, 3 July 2026 When the Spanish settlers decamped for Cuba in 1763 after ceding Florida to the English, the few surviving Tequesta, their numbers decimated by 200 years of captivity and slavery, conflict and ill treatment, are believed to have departed with them. — Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026 Prices hit record highs last year amid an avian flu outbreak that decimated the country's poultry flocks. — Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for decimate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decimate
  1. destroy
  2. devastate
  3. ruin
  4. demolish
  5. shatter
  6. wreck
  7. smash
Verb
  • That decision eliminated the creative accounting that has destroyed countless songwriting partnerships.
    — Datwon Thomas, VIBE.com, 9 July 2026
  • The leaf-hopping insect destroyed more than 1,000 acres of grapevines in Northern California from 1994 to 2008, causing $30 million in damage, according to the California Department of Food and Agriculture.
    — Lizzie Kane July 9, Sacbee.com, 9 July 2026
Definition of destroy
Verb
  • Twin earthquakes on June 24 devastated Venezuela, with more than 3,300 deaths and more than 30,000 people reported missing.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Their larvae, which burrow into the flesh of cattle and can be fatal if untreated, can devastate wildlife and bring financial ruin to ranchers.
    — Robert Abitbol, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Definition of devastate
Verb
  • Instead of fighting with Whitney, Lindsay has a talk with Yvonne about how Lindsay ruined Yvonne’s wedding by making it all about her.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 8 July 2026
  • However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.
    — Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado July 8, Sacbee.com, 8 July 2026
Definition of ruin
Verb
  • Structures on the site, at 1451 Sproule Avenue, were demolished in 2005.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 8 July 2026
  • The new space is just north of the existing terminal, which is to be demolished.
    — Christopher Reynolds, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
Definition of demolish
Verb
  • Kelsey Pfendler completed a record-shattering solo row from California to Hawaii in just 43 days, becoming the fastest person ever.
    — Kim Elsesser, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
  • As the victim appeared to start to walk away, a gunshot rang out, and the Mitsubishi’s driver’s window shattered, the video showed, prosecutors alleged.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 7 July 2026
Definition of shatter
Verb
  • Most of the peril comes with dangerous ship-wrecking moments, including one that implies the death of Moana's relative, while our heroine herself almost drowns on her first voyage from land.
    — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 9 July 2026
  • This is a great option for those who want an entry-level package that won’t wreck your bank account.
    — Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 9 July 2026
Definition of wreck
Verb
  • The Marlins smashed 12 home runs against the A’s, their most ever in a three-game series.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 6 July 2026
  • Djokovic became so frustrated that he was given a code violation warning for smashing a racket, before eventually hauling himself over the line.
    — Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 5 July 2026
Definition of smash

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decimals
decimate
decimated
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Cite this Entry

“Decimate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decimate. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on decimate

Nglish: Translation of decimate for Spanish Speakers

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