as in destroyed
to bring to a complete end the physical soundness, existence, or usefulness of
the army's attack decimated the enemy's defenses beyond repair
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Recent Examples of decimated
Injuries have decimated both sides of the ball in Tampa this season — particularly on offense — but the Bucs roll into Week 18 with a chance at a division crown and a home playoff game, a great opportunity considering the team has dropped seven of its last eight.
—
Dianna Russini, New York Times, 3 Jan. 2026
Young Arch had just decimated the Wolverines' defense and in the afterglow of a signature performance, his mind was on a much larger football canvas than Orange County's Campus World Stadium.
—Cedric Golden, Austin American Statesman, 2 Jan. 2026
In fact, the brand was one of the few automakers to consistently increase sales throughout the 2020s, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, which decimated the global supply chain.
—Brett Berk, Robb Report, 7 Nov. 2025
Another agent pointed to how contractions in post-strike, post-pandemic Hollywood have decimated the theater business, creating new opportunities that Netflix would be foolish to pass up.
—Chris Lee, Vulture, 3 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for decimated
Dianna Russini, New York Times, 3 Jan. 2026
Young Arch had just decimated the Wolverines' defense and in the afterglow of a signature performance, his mind was on a much larger football canvas than Orange County's Campus World Stadium.
—Cedric Golden, Austin American Statesman, 2 Jan. 2026
In fact, the brand was one of the few automakers to consistently increase sales throughout the 2020s, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, which decimated the global supply chain.
—Brett Berk, Robb Report, 7 Nov. 2025
Another agent pointed to how contractions in post-strike, post-pandemic Hollywood have decimated the theater business, creating new opportunities that Netflix would be foolish to pass up.
—Chris Lee, Vulture, 3 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for decimated
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decimated
Verb
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The Palisades fire killed 12 people and destroyed more than 6,000 structures, becoming the third-most destructive fire in state history.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
8 Jan. 2026
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One year after the Palisades Fire leveled entire neighborhoods and destroyed thousands of homes, one Malibu resident is stepping up to help rebuild his community with his architectural expertise.—
Luzdelia Caballero,
CBS News,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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McKenzie and Sebastian's decision to embrace the unexpected made their wedding even better when an opposite reaction to the rain could have ruined the whole celebration.—
Ashlyn Robinette,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
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But becoming the operator ruined the magic.—
Anna Rahmanan,
thehustle.co,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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In 2024, the abanonded LaGrave Field baseball stadium was demolished.—
Fousia Abdullahi,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 Nov. 2025
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The tall high-rise buildings not demolished in Gaza City are seen in the far distance.—
Daniel Estrin,
NPR,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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After it was revealed that Vince didn't make it out of the inferno, his son Bode (Max Thieriot) and wife Sharon (Diane Farr) were devastated by the loss.—
Christopher Rudolph,
PEOPLE,
7 Nov. 2025
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The war has devastated parts of Ukraine’s medical infrastructure.—
Ciara McCarthy,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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By the afternoon, the store had reopened, but the front door's glass remained shattered, with a large banner placed in front of the entrance, the local station reported.—
Bonny Chu,
FOXNews.com,
7 Jan. 2026
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The Kohbergers’ pride in Bryan was shattered by the revelation that he was suspected of and later admitted to the slaughter.—
Theresa Braine,
Mercury News,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
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But the Panthers could only score 10 points, as Denver’s fearsome pass rush wrecked Carolina’s best chance at a Super Bowl win.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
6 Jan. 2026
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McIndoe really wrecked the curve on this one.—
Sean Gentille,
New York Times,
3 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The engine compartment caught fire, so the agent smashed a window to help free her.—
Louis Casiano,
FOXNews.com,
9 Jan. 2026
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Windows smashed, citizens detained, citizens shot.—
Sonja Sharp,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Decimated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decimated. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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