decimated

Definition of decimatednext
past tense of decimate
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 decimated There was little time for anyone to flee as flash floods decimated villages, slamming into houses, roads, bridges and power plants. Megan De Mar, CBS News, 27 Aug. 2026 It’s based on Peter Heller’s 2012 novel and set in Colorado 10 years in the future after an aggressive flu has decimated much of the population. Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026 An already decimated San Francisco Giants lineup are dealing with another injury. Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026 Murray made his first All-Star Game — and then was decimated by Jaden McDaniels in the playoffs. Zach Harper, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 New Ukrainian tactics and drones have halted Russia’s advance, decimated the country’s oil infrastructure, and pushed casualties above the replacement rate. Jason Ma, Fortune, 23 Aug. 2026 Its economy is in shambles, its proxies have been decimated by Israel and its allies in Iraq have been ousted. Tom Jurkowsky, Baltimore Sun, 23 Aug. 2026 Expansions, nips, and tucks happened over the years, but the British Colonial design was needing a facelift when Hurricane Irma decimated the island in September 2017. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Aug. 2026 In addition to the fatalities, the natural disaster has decimated Chocó's school infrastructure, according to Shakira's announcement. Edward Segarra, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decimated
Verb
  • Glutathione was offered to firefighters during recent blazes that destroyed hundreds of buildings in and around Spokane, Washington.
    ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
  • If satellites supporting communications or ISR were damaged or destroyed, a faster and less expensive launch system could theoretically allow replacement spacecraft to be deployed more quickly.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 22 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The influx all but ruined Sutter’s extensive land holdings around Sacramento, originally dubbed New Helvetia.
    Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Brentford will be hoping promising midfielder Antoni Milambo can contribute after his debut season was ruined by an ACL injury in October.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Meanwhile, as cars replaced horses, streets had to be widened, and several of the city’s many inconvenient hills were flattened—some houses were demolished, but plenty were simply rolled out of the way.
    Nicola Twilley, New Yorker, 27 Aug. 2026
  • His Administration demolished the White House’s East Wing to make way for a ballroom costing hundreds of millions of dollars—a project facing its own legal challenges.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 26 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Windows were shattered at a children’s hospital in the Solomianskyi district, said Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko.
    Kosta Gak, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Cops responding to the area found a window shattered by gunfire and a pool of blood inside Hakim’s, a nearby seasonal restaurant for adults that neighbors say has become a teen hangout.
    Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 20 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The flash flood which has devastated settlements in northern Nepal was caused by an earthquake triggering a large landslide which blocked the Bhote Koshi river, according to Nepal’s foreign minister Shishir Khanal.
    Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026
  • In season one, Alice (Nicola Walker) is devastated when her best friend Steve (Jemaine Clement) starts dating her 26-year-old daughter Izzy.
    Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The Audi pair almost had a similar problem when Gabriel Bortoleto spun on a greasy but drying track that also caught out and wrecked Verstappen on the opening lap.
    Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Zebra striping is gaining traction as more Americans look for a way to enjoy nights out without waking up wrecked.
    Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 24 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Anne Shirley has smashed her slate over Gilbert Blythe’s head.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Archaeologists in Central Europe recently came across an unusual hoard of Bronze Age tools — including a sword that had been deliberately smashed with a powerful blow.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Decimated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decimated. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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