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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of decimated
The country's bird population was decimated when settlers moved in hundreds of years ago, bringing invasive species such as stoats, a relative of ferrets, rats and similar mammals.
—
Michael Nied, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
Decades after a crackdown by prosecutors decimated the ranks of the New York Mafia, the indictment of an NBA coach, a player and nearly three dozen others in a betting scandal highlighted the mob’s persistence and adaptability to changing times and technology.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2025
But when they were forced to retreat, harsh winter conditions, starvation and disease decimated the invaders.
—Andrea Tamayo, Scientific American, 24 Oct. 2025
Hezbollah's leadership has been decimated.
—Time Staff, Time, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for decimated
Michael Nied, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
Decades after a crackdown by prosecutors decimated the ranks of the New York Mafia, the indictment of an NBA coach, a player and nearly three dozen others in a betting scandal highlighted the mob’s persistence and adaptability to changing times and technology.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2025
But when they were forced to retreat, harsh winter conditions, starvation and disease decimated the invaders.
—Andrea Tamayo, Scientific American, 24 Oct. 2025
Hezbollah's leadership has been decimated.
—Time Staff, Time, 23 Oct. 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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However her past experiences haven't ruined the actress' trips back home.—
Ralphie Aversa,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
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That’s why his mistress threw in with Frank to intimidate Dale into a land deal that would have ruined any chance of Chutto’s family ever getting their land back.—
Amanda Whiting,
Vulture,
5 Nov. 2025
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 10 Jan. 2026.
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