destroyed 1 of 2

destroyed

2 of 2

verb

past tense of destroy
1
as in demolished
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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3

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 destroyed
Verb
These structures were regionally and culturally inspired, and largely destroyed during rapid and callous colonization. Elizabeth Fazzare, Architectural Digest, 4 July 2026 The Aspen Acres fire has likely destroyed more than 200 homes, but the fire conditions have stopped damage assessment teams from accessing some areas to get a clearer picture, Pueblo County officials said. Katie Langford, Denver Post, 4 July 2026 The tornado struck about 100 yards from the previous -- hitting a total of 84 planes, 35 of which were destroyed. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 4 July 2026 The massive wildfire killed 12 people, destroyed nearly 7,000 structures and gutted businesses, churches and schools. Daily News, 4 July 2026 One Russian missile destroyed a residential building of 64 apartments, killing several people and leaving dozens of families homeless. Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 3 July 2026 Authorities say nearly 800 buildings collapsed, including 189 that were completely destroyed. Anniek Bao, CNBC, 3 July 2026 This multigenerational narrative traces four families in Wilmington, North Carolina, whose lives were forever altered by the violent white supremacist coup of 1898 that destroyed a thriving Black community. Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 3 July 2026 The second inferno killed 12 people, destroyed 6,500 structures across the Palisades and Malibu and cost billions in damage and insurance claims. Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for destroyed
Adjective
  • His choices allow the viewer to drink in the intimate details of the ruined world.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The 163rd Street Theatre was demolished in 1996 and today a Home Depot stands on the land.
    Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 9 July 2026
  • Structures on the site, at 1451 Sproule Avenue, were demolished in 2005.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 8 July 2026
Verb
  • Many ranchers delayed rebuilding due to a resurgence of dryness this spring and wildfires that ravaged more grazing land.
    Tom Polansek, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • The Panthers made the Cup Final in three consecutive years from 2023 to 2025, winning it all in the final two years of that stretch, before missing the playoffs last season as injuries ravaged the roster.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • Israel retaliated with a massive military offensive that has killed more than 73,000 Palestinians, Gaza’s Health Ministry says, around half of them women and children.
    Bilal Shbeir, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • Hayati did not provide further details on the people killed or injured.
    Jamie Gray, NBC news, 9 July 2026
Adjective
  • Jury sees wrecked boat, crash re-enactment On the fourth day of trial, the jury hopped into a black Dodge van escorted by Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office deputies.
    Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 19 June 2026
  • Antunez got out of the wrecked vehicle and tried to flee on foot but was arrested by an OHA officer.
    Harry Harris, Mercury News, 16 June 2026
Verb
  • His companies have transformed industries, his wealth has shattered records, and his politics now shape governments and public debate.
    Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 3 July 2026
  • Republican Rick Jackson shattered spending records in Georgia by spending $108 million of his own money into his campaign for governor.
    Greg Bluestein, AJC.com, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • Money is tight, especially since a plague has devastated the coffee harvest and destroyed the livelihoods of Miguel’s parents, Pino (Luis Alberti) and Teresa (Fátima Molina).
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 8 July 2026
  • The luxury shopping center in Pacific Palisades will reopen next month after more than $100 million in renovations forced by the January 2025 wildfire that devastated the Los Angeles neighborhood.
    Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
Adjective
  • The Venezuelan College of Engineers (CIV) has launched emergency training sessions for engineers, architects and technical specialists who will inspect damaged structures and determine whether they can be repaired or must be demolished.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 4 July 2026
  • Many injuries were reported in Wisconsin’s Walworth County after the storm toppled trees, knocked down power lines and damaged buildings, said Tom Hausner, undersheriff for the Walworth County Sheriff’s department.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Destroyed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/destroyed. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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