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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 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 Decades of foreign policy, and most recently, the decimation of foreign aid, has created conditions in which people across the Americas must migrate for survival. — Taylor Crumpton, Time, 10 Feb. 2026 Opened in 1927 in response to the near-decimation of the koala population in Australia – the cuddly creatures were hunted for their pelts – Lone Pine is now home to about 100 koalas along with other native Australian fauna. — Zach Wichter, USA Today, 12 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decimation
  1. destruction
  2. devastation
  3. extinction
  4. havoc
  5. loss
  6. demolition
Noun
  • Despite the destruction, officials said no injuries had been reported in the city.
    — Ross DiMattei, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Her home was not damaged during the back-to-back hurricanes that hit Florida in 2024, but many people close to her experienced flooding and other destruction to their homes, businesses and schools.
    — Jessica Meszaros, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of destruction
Noun
  • The mall’s survival amid the community’s devastation was not without controversy given Caruso’s use of private firefighters to ward off the flames.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Security camera photos show the devastation caused by flooding in Metamora, Indiana, where numerous businesses were damaged after severe weather hit on Wednesday.
    — Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of devastation
Noun
  • While an entire neighborhood (or more) is threatened with extinction-by-dinosaur, the fate of Starbuck (real-life dogs Buzz and Brisket share the role), featured prominently in the movie’s trailer, seems to have stirred up the most internet agita.
    — Greg Evans, Deadline, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Perhaps the species has a core memory of how humanity almost hunted them to extinction.
    — Carl R. Gold, Baltimore Sun, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of extinction
Noun
  • The wingers were the stand-out performers during the pre-season trip to Asia, with Antoine Semenyo in particular — but also Savinho — causing havoc with their dribbling.
    — Sam Lee, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The havoc a hacker wreaks using their attack could be catastrophic.
    — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of havoc
Noun
  • Finding the balance between preserving clubhouse culture and throwing future pieces into the fire remains complicated, even as the team dropped to 60-65 following Saturday’s 5-4 walk-off loss to the New York Mets.
    — Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Some of this can be attributed to a loss of trust in institutions, especially those tied to public health, thanks in part to the Covid-19 pandemic.
    — T.M. Brown, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of loss
Noun
  • Whitaker says the demolition starts the process of rebuilding.
    — Ryan Hughes, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The Red Raiders went 8-1 in Big 12 play, then capped that campaign off with a 34-7 demolition of BYU in the Big 12 championship game.
    — Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 20 Aug. 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 23 Aug. 2026.

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