DEFACEMENTS Synonyms: 148 Similar and Opposite Words

deface 1 of 2

verb

di-ˈfās

Definition of deface

as in to vandalize

to deliberately cause the damage or destruction of another's property the principal vowed to get the punks who defaced the statue in front of the school

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to injure

to reduce the soundness, effectiveness, or perfection of years of wear had defaced the fine engraving on the coins

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

defacement

2 of 2

noun

as in vandalism

deliberate damaging or destroying of another's property the defacement of the school's property ended up costing hundreds of dollars

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 deface

Verb

This is now the third attempt to deface this sacred memorial and turn it into a vanity project for one man’s ego. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 14 Sep. 2026 The building's pine ceilings were in disrepair and its brick walls were damaged, poorly painted, or defaced with graffiti. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Sep. 2026

Noun

Regardless, following the Roonstrasse defacement, a wave of additional antisemitic vandalism spread throughout West Germany and other places, including the United States. — Daniela R. P. Weiner, The Conversation, 17 Apr. 2026 This can include denial-of-service attacks, in which hackers try to jam a network so legitimate users cannot use it, and website defacements, which can prevent a company from communicating with customers. — ABC News, 12 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deface

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deface

Verb

Maldonado Soriano’s motive for vandalizing the monument remains unclear, authorities said.

— Diego Mendoza, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026
On January 8, 2023, thousands of his supporters stormed the heart of Brasilia, the federal capital, vandalizing the buildings of the Supreme Court, Congress, and the Presidential Palace.

— Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of vandalize

Verb

Also according to the emergency service, consecutive Russian strikes on a shopping center in Kharkiv injured four people late on Saturday, including three rescue workers.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
Patrick, who was injured when his cleats became tangled in TV cords, had to first seek redress through a grievance procedure before being able to pursue a lawsuit.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of injure

Verb

The students on Thursday asked public servants to prevent outgoing officials from destroying documentation or evidence of potential wrongdoing.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Oct. 2026
According to the Federal Trade Commission, destroy anything containing sensitive information to protect yourself from identity theft.

— Andee Tagle, NPR, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of destroy

Verb

Originally designed in 1893 as two side-by-side hotels built by feuding family members, the collective property was demolished in 1929 to make room for the Empire State Building’s construction.

— Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 27 Oct. 2026
Plans to either demolish the structure or preserve it were offered by various community groups.

— Pam DeFiglio, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of demolish

Verb

Possible char marks from a fire or damage from another source have marred the floor of a classroom at the modern but vacant public school campus at 1215 Miramar Street, on the edge of downtown.

— Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
The election process was marred by allegations of voter suppression, with Lula's campaign reporting suspended public transportation in some key areas, prompting the court to extend voting by two hours.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of mar

Verb

One accidental move could ruin the attempt, requiring a correction at best, and a possible restart at worst.

— Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026
Others have used it to remove oily stains from their toddlers like crayon marks on carpet, and one reviewer says it’s saved many of their clothes from being ruined in a household with unavoidable messes from both kids and pets.

— Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of ruin

Verb

The destruction of South Korea’s memory chip fabs would compound this tragedy and cripple the global economy.

— Dan Blumenthal, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026
Mendel argued that Zelenskyy's promise to bring peace at the time stands in stark contrast to the devastating war that has crippled the country and defined much of his presidency.

— Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of cripple

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Style

“Deface.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deface. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of deface

verb

noun

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