as in to plunder
to search through with the intent of committing robbery the burglars despoiled the art museum in search of treasures they thought they could sell to a fence

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the verb despoil contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of despoil are devastate, pillage, ravage, sack, and waste. While all these words mean "to lay waste by plundering or destroying," despoil applies to looting or robbing without suggesting accompanying destruction.

the Nazis despoiled the art museums

In what contexts can devastate take the place of despoil?

The words devastate and despoil can be used in similar contexts, but devastate implies the complete ruin and desolation of a wide area.

an earthquake devastated the city

How are the words pillage and sack related as synonyms of despoil?

Pillage implies ruthless plundering at will but without the completeness suggested by sack.

settlements pillaged by Vikings

When can ravage be used instead of despoil?

The meanings of ravage and despoil largely overlap; however, ravage implies violent often cumulative depredation and destruction.

a hurricane ravaged the coast

When is it sensible to use sack instead of despoil?

The words sack and despoil are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sack implies carrying off all valuable possessions from a place.

barbarians sacked ancient Rome

When could waste be used to replace despoil?

Although the words waste and despoil have much in common, waste may imply producing the same result by a slow process rather than sudden and violent action.

years of drought had wasted the area

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 despoil In stark contrast to the sensible environmental policies of his Republican predecessors, Watt’s policy enthusiasms included drilling, clear-cutting, despoiling public lands, and shredding environmental regulations. Liza Featherstone, The New Republic, 16 June 2023 This urge to despoil images of the unpopular goes a long way toward explaining why so many statues of Nero lost their heads, said Eric R. Varner, professor of classics and art history at Emory University. Graham Bowley, New York Times, 12 June 2023 Don’t believe the cries that the 5-4 decision will despoil America’s precious wetlands. The Editorial Board, WSJ, 25 May 2023 This remake injects some contemporary misfortune (humans despoil the water, we’re told). Wesley Morris, New York Times, 24 May 2023 See All Example Sentences for despoil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despoil
Verb
  • The Bucks likely wouldn’t stop there, perhaps looking to plunder young players such as Ayo Dosunmu and Matas Buzelis to flesh out a restart without Antetokounmpo.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 7 May 2025
  • In 1538, during the Dissolution of the Monasteries, the medieval statue of Our Lady of Walsingham (a classic Madonna and child) was plundered then lost to time.
    Lamorna Ash, The Dial, 6 May 2025
Verb
  • On Sunday, the editorial staff of Télé Pluriel in the Delmas 19 neighborhood, said heavily armed gang members had broken through the station’s main barrier sometime during the night and set fire to its premises while also pillaging their offices.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 16 Mar. 2025
  • Uh uh, method dressing is forever, at least for Timothée Chalamet—until the next role-of-a-lifetime comes along, or the parcels of Bob Dylan ephemera pillaged from the online auction houses stop coming through the young actor’s door that is.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 16 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • It was sent to Arron Lambert, the shop’s owner, in January 2022, a month before the Argentinian was sacked.
    Beren Cross, New York Times, 22 May 2025
  • The 166-year-old St. Francis College in New York City, has sacked a quarter of its staff.
    Jon Marcus, NPR, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • Hamas has acknowledged executing individuals accused of looting and announced a 5,000-member force to combat armed criminals.
    Juwayriah Wright, Time, 19 May 2025
  • All of the 37 public hospitals in Khartoum have been severely damaged and looted, Saad said.
    Emmanuel Akinwotu, NPR, 16 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Despoil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despoil. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

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