as in plundered
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
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Recent Examples of despoiled
In the 21st century, oil extraction has become a serious threat to Ecuadoran Amazonia, with large swaths of forest, often located in Indigenous territories, despoiled by the release of wastewater from the wells.
—
Stanley Stewart, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2026
Stanley Stewart, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despoiled
Verb
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Which were left to be plundered and destroyed?—
Amer Matar,
The Dial,
26 May 2026
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Kylian Mbappe will win the Pichichi top-scorer prize amid all the chaos at Real Madrid while Verdat Muriqi, nicknamed the pirate, has plundered 22 goals in a struggling Mallorca side.—
The Athletic UK Staff,
New York Times,
22 May 2026
Verb
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North Texas — whose roster was pillaged in the portal and saw its top players leave for Oklahoma State alongside former head coach Eric Morris — have signed 42 transfers.—
Shawn McFarland,
Dallas Morning News,
16 Jan. 2026
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In a landscape of sequels and overly pillaged IP, the Stranger Things finale is finite and close-ended, the credits rolling once and for all.—
Yohana Desta,
Rolling Stone,
4 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Armed gangs, now in control of most of the capital, have emptied out entire neighborhoods, shuttered schools and set looted and set fire to hospitals.—
Syra Ortiz Blanes,
Miami Herald,
29 May 2026
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The mob burned and looted Shepherd’s home while attacking surrounding homes and businesses.—
Cristóbal Reyes,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 May 2026
Verb
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Then, just three plays later, Grier was sacked by Saints defensive end Cam Jordan.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
4 June 2026
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During Wednesday’s open-media look, Thomas flew around the edge during 11-on-11 and would have likely sacked quarterback Justin Fields in a game situation.—
Pete Sweeney
June 4,
Kansas City Star,
4 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Despoiled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despoiled. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.
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