1
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to ravage
to bring destruction to (something) through violent action
wildfires destroyed thousands of acres in forests across the state
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to kill
to deprive of life
regrettably, the veterinarian was forced to destroy the injured horse
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of destroy
The statement added that the aircraft are designed to destroy ground and air targets, and infrastructure facilities covered by air defense systems.
—
Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Apr. 2025
Ezz’s house had been destroyed on the second day of the war.
—Clayton Dalton, New Yorker, 18 Apr. 2025
In Parkinson’s patients, these neurons are slowly destroyed as the disease progresses, which eventually affects their mobility and causes the disease’s tell-tale tremors.
—Alex Knapp, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
The gangs have resumed kidnappings, while burning hospitals and destroying schools.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 25 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for destroy
Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Apr. 2025
Ezz’s house had been destroyed on the second day of the war.
—Clayton Dalton, New Yorker, 18 Apr. 2025
In Parkinson’s patients, these neurons are slowly destroyed as the disease progresses, which eventually affects their mobility and causes the disease’s tell-tale tremors.
—Alex Knapp, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
The gangs have resumed kidnappings, while burning hospitals and destroying schools.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 25 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for destroy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for destroy
Verb
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However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.—
Don Sweeney,
Sacbee.com,
27 Apr. 2025
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There is nothing that can ruin trying to sleep through a redeye like the sunrise hitting your face.—
Caroline Hughes,
Travel + Leisure,
26 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Four months ago, in the weeks after the devastating wildfires that ravaged Pacific Palisades, Roberts received a message from a friend involved with the Palisades Charter High School baseball team, inviting him to speak at one of their preseason practices.—
Jack Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2025
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Other crags—like Elephant Knob in the Sierras, and parts of Cochiti Mesa, New Mexico—are permanently unclimbable, even decades after the fires ravaged the area.—
Hannah Provost,
Outside Online,
26 Apr. 2025
Verb
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One participant, Thomas Bragg, discovered how to talk about his friendship with Eddie Lama, who was killed in action.—
Made by History,
Time,
30 Apr. 2025
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Crown prosecutors allege Patterson deliberately served lethal mushrooms to kill her lunch guests; her defense counsel claims the deaths were a tragic accident.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
30 Apr. 2025
Verb
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His effect on next-door Canada, however, has been to demolish America’s reputation.—
David Frum,
The Atlantic,
29 Apr. 2025
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The Pennsylvania home where Yankees great Reggie Jackson spent his childhood was demolished Monday.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
28 Apr. 2025
Verb
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At first, Tyrion's owner was devastated with her dog's diagnosis.—
Saman Shafiq,
USA Today,
20 Apr. 2025
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The loss has brought yet another heartbreak for the Townsend family, stemming from the mass shooting that devastated this suburban Denver community 26 years ago.—
Nicquel Terry Ellis,
CNN Money,
20 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The number of people slain so far in 2025: 112. Chicago homicides, by year Data for 2025 is updated through April 24, 2025.—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Apr. 2025
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Her talent, truth, and impact will never be forgotten, and her legacy will continue to slay—always.—
Mohammed Soliman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Public trust has been shattered, and a change was needed so the system can begin to rebuild.—
Kaitlin McCallum,
Hartford Courant,
28 Apr. 2025
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Tobias is shattered by the negative response, but Gabin’s aggression doesn’t do anything to pull Tobias together.—
Oliver Sava,
Vulture,
25 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The cops also seized his cellphone and tore apart his home of two years, wrecking his recording setup in the process.—
David Browne,
Rolling Stone,
26 Apr. 2025
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As many little heartbeats as possible, just running around, wrecking stuff in the house.—
Kayla Grant,
People.com,
25 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Destroy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/destroy. Accessed 4 May. 2025.
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