decimation

noun

Definition of decimationnext
as in destruction
the state or fact of being rendered nonexistent, physically unsound, or useless the virtual decimation of the coastal town by the hurricane

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 decimation Some users noted that the decimation of local media has left them with fewer options for learning about down-ballot races. — Maham Javaid, NPR, 5 Oct. 2026 The decimation of our native ash trees because of a tiny insect proves that everyone planting the same type of tree, yard after yard, is not a smart idea. — Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Sep. 2026 The decimation of the national public-health apparatus has had a direct impact amid the cyclosporiasis crisis. — Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 23 July 2026 Following Jaws' success, Benchley expressed regret over the story's impact on the public's fear of sharks and the decimation of shark populations, committing himself to shark conservation and education efforts. — Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 20 June 2026 The liberal wing of the court sees the decision as a decimation of the Voting Rights Act. — Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 29 Apr. 2026 The third generation of Garrods experienced the decimation of the fruit orchard business and, seeking another stable form of income, began boarding horses in 1962. — Laura Ness, Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2026 Clairvoyance came during an early-March decimation of the Nuggets. — Fred Katz, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026 Upon learning that dogs were allowed to roam on the lawn, the reason for its decimation became clear, since this grass, although touted for its shade and drought tolerance, is highly sensitive to dog urine and dog digging. — Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 4 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decimation
  1. destruction
  2. devastation
  3. extinction
  4. havoc
  5. loss
  6. demolition
Noun
  • The end of saving money and raising middle-class wages justifies the means, namely, the destruction of immigrant families.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The destruction releases vast stores of carbon, adding to climate change that is already contributing to drought and forest fires across the tropics.
    — Ruben Nyanguila, semafor.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of destruction
Noun
  • Whatever one believes about the allegations against the couple, the devastation of watching an academic and media career disintegrate in real time is difficult to dismiss.
    — Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Category 3 storms are considered major hurricanes and are capable of causing devastation.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of devastation
Noun
  • Every researcher who quits Anthropic to write a viral letter about extinction is casting himself, in the drama running in his own head, as Oppenheimer walking away from the bomb.
    — Stephen Messer, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026
  • In a world where AI and algorithms are trumpeting our extinction on a daily basis, Wildwood kicks the conversation in entirely the other direction.
    — Bridget Arsenault, Vanity Fair, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of extinction
Noun
  • The Misfits Complementing spring’s embrace of graphic havoc is an intriguing offness of fit, as seen at Jil Sander, Givenchy, and Lii.
    — Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Deleting a second has never previously been attempted and could create havoc in today’s digitally time-stamped world.
    — Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of havoc
Noun
  • If the answer is yes, the efficiency gain may be a competitive loss in disguise.
    — Matt Alt, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • The British Antarctic Survey researchers emphasize that future losses could be exacerbated if emissions are not reduced.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of loss
Noun
  • Over the past several months, Israel has carried out large-scale demolitions in villages that its troops occupy.
    — Bassem Mroue, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
  • City leaders led another round of demolition at South Fulton's Camelot Condominiums on Friday.
    — La'Tasha Givens, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of demolition

Browse Nearby Words

decimating
decimation
decimations
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Cite this Entry

“Decimation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decimation. Accessed 18 Oct. 2026.

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