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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despoiled
Verb
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The towns of Harrisonville, Butler and Osceola were plundered during Bleeding Kansas.—
Quentin Corpuel,
Kansas City Star,
6 Sep. 2025 -
These will hold a particular interest for the Bloomsbury enthusiast because the majority of them are previously unpublished (an impressive feat, given how often the various archives have been plundered by other biographers).—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
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At the same time, members of the powerful Viv Ansanm gang coalition had pillaged and/or burned at least 410 residences and other buildings, including six schools, health centers and local nongovernmental organizations during the period.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
11 Aug. 2025
Verb
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In recent years, objects looted from Benin City by British soldiers in 1897 — commonly known as Benin Bronzes — have been returned to Nigeria, Asante artifacts have been returned to Ghana, and France has sent colonial-era skulls back to Madagascar.—
Alexis Akwagyiram,
semafor.com,
3 Oct. 2025
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During the pandemic, the LaSalle Street store was looted so badly that the decision was made not to reopen and to instead focus on Oak Street.—
Jean E. Palmieri,
Footwear News,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Darnold wasn’t sacked, which is a credit to the quarterback and his offensive line.—
Michael-Shawn Dugar,
New York Times,
6 Oct. 2025
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Tua Tagovailoa was sacked three times, two of which was given up by starting rookie left guard Jonah Savaiinaea, and occasionally moved off his spot by pressure.—
Omar Kelly
Updated October 5,
Miami Herald,
5 Oct. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Despoiled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despoiled. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
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