decimating

present participle of decimate
as in destroying
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 decimating The automaker is positioning this new lineup as its bulwark against the flood of Chinese imports that is currently decimating other European brands. — Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 7 Oct. 2026 Russia has been targeting presses and publishing houses across Ukraine for the past month, in a campaign that’s increasingly concerned with decimating Ukrainian culture. — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 1 Oct. 2026 Those numbers tell a powerful story, including decimating a Children’s Services Council approved by county voters in 2000. — Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 19 Sep. 2026 Fielder and Oppenheim have created a fascinating portrait of a relationship, decimating notions of objectivity in documentary while also interrogating the limits of fiction. — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2026 Radiopharmaceuticals work by directing toxic radiation specifically to cancer cells, decimating them on site. — Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 31 Aug. 2026 The ensuing torrent of ice and rock created a wall of water that slammed into towns and villages that sat on the riverbank, decimating infrastructure and housing. — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026 The president's boasts about decimating the opponent's armed forces haven't prevented it from striking back with drones and missiles. — Susan Page, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026 But unfortunately, this was not the end of wildfires decimating North America this summer. — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decimating
Verb
  • With the European Union banning large companies from destroying unsold apparel, clothing accessories and footwear under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation as of July, the case for Unspun’s technology becomes more compelling.
    — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 9 Nov. 2026
  • The mayor faced voter outrage over the Palisades fire, which broke out in January 2025, destroying thousands of homes and leaving 12 people dead.
    — David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 8 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Someone else even complained about the self-clean feature ruining their appliance.
    — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Most hunters probably would have taken a shot at the five-pointer, ruining their chances for the record-class bull.
    — Rich LaRocco, Outdoor Life, 2 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • The row of storefronts between Chili’s and the Apple Cinema has numerous vacancies, and in the spring of 2025 a developer proposed demolishing part of the retail space for large apartment complex.
    — Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 10 Nov. 2026
  • Trump has focused extensively on White House renovations, including supergluing gold decorations himself in the Oval Office and demolishing the East Wing to make room for the ballroom, the New York Times reported.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 10 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • The novels follow Cammie Skoura, a brilliant, neurodivergent young scientist aboard a deep-space expedition that uncovers a trail of ancient ruins and long-dead alien civilizations leading toward a mind-shattering discovery.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Plus, Skullcandy's Crusher Bass technology utilizes dedicated bass drivers to really give you a head-banging experience, sending bone-shattering bass pulsating through your skull.
    — George Yang, PC Magazine, 30 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The story here is about the strange relationships that form in the wake of devastating loss, and an examination of the unpredictable, messy and confusing connections often found between people experiencing grief.
    — Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Just one week after devastating flooding across southwest Colorado, another powerful storm is moving in.
    — Callie Zanandrie, CBS News, 1 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • The exact crew number is unclear, but all of them (around 14 sailors) reportedly drowned after veering off-course and wrecking along the coast of southern Wales.
    — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 4 Nov. 2026
  • And the Bears’ defense got a major boost with last week’s blockbuster trade for game-wrecking defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons.
    — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 3 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • The post fell with a thunderous crash across the hood of the car, smashing the windshield and injuring Dad.
    — Pat Saperstein, Variety, 6 Nov. 2026
  • That means arbitrary Drake covers and Max B homages, smooth ballads on smashing cougars and dirty macking.
    — Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 4 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Decimating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decimating. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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