DESTROY Synonyms: 203 Similar and Opposite Words

destroy

verb

di-ˈstrȯi

as in to ruin

to bring to a complete end the physical soundness, existence, or usefulness of they practically destroyed the safe in order to get at the money inside their poor scores on the final exam destroyed any chance they might have had to pass the course

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to ravage

to bring destruction to (something) through violent action wildfires destroyed thousands of acres in forests across the state

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as in to kill

to deprive of life regrettably, the veterinarian was forced to destroy the injured horse

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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 destroy As Inga grows to adulthood the biggest dam has destroyed the lake’s shoreline, leaving it muddy and covered with stones. —

Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 7 June 2026 On a hot July night in 1979, a racist, homophobic mob tried to destroy disco. —

Dash Lewis, Pitchfork, 7 June 2026 Home and office items such as laptops, desktops, servers, network switches, printers, modems and cell phones, can be dropped off for repurposing by M&M Technologies, which is tasked with securely erasing data, destroying hard drives and recycling electronics. —

Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 7 June 2026 Proponents argue that cooking can destroy certain nutrients and natural enzymes found in food. —

Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 6 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for destroy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for destroy

Verb

Years earlier, in 2001, the undercover detective involved claimed her career had been ruined by the case, and received around $166,000 in an out-of-court settlement, per the BBC.

— Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 7 June 2026
Think about it the next time a presidential rant ruins your coffee.

— Steven Andreasen, Twin Cities, 7 June 2026