DEMOLISH Synonyms: 180 Similar and Opposite Words

demolish

verb

di-ˈmä-lish

as in to destroy

to destroy (as a building) completely by knocking down or breaking to pieces developers demolished the old warehouse to make room for the new shopping mall

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as in to ruin

to bring to a complete end the physical soundness, existence, or usefulness of most of the buildings in the town had been demolished in the bombing raid

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as in to shatter

to cause to break open or into pieces by or as if by an explosive terrorists used a powerful pipe bomb to demolish the concrete wall around the compound

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Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of demolish Zivin said the company is spending about $5,000 to demolish each unit, which amounted to more than $52,000 on Tuesday alone, to comply with city orders to shut down the park and to avoid squatters. —

Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2026 The transformation began in February when crews completely demolished the station's previous set to make room for what engineers describe as the future of television news. —

Richard Ramos, CBS News, 12 May 2026 Construction officials said the existing ticketing area in the old terminal will be demolished, and the baggage area will be reconfigured into offices for airport administration. —

Kate Kealey, Des Moines Register, 12 May 2026 Such a denial, however, is only effective for three years, after which the Vawters would be free to demolish the home. —

Eric Adler may 12, Kansas City Star, 12 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for demolish

Recent Examples of Synonyms for demolish

Verb

The fire destroyed two structures — a cabin and an equipment shed — and forced the evacuation of 11 National Park Service employees, who were rescued by a Santa Barbara County Fire Department helicopter.

— Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026
Covers personal property used to secure a loan as collateral if it's destroyed.

— Liz Knueven, CNBC, 18 May 2026