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
But just like all other houses in Collins First Nation, her home was completely destroyed by the fires. Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 18 July 2026 The 1951 Flood claimed lives, destroyed homes and businesses, and scattered one of Kansas City’s largest Hispanic communities. Michelle Oliva-Espinosa, Kansas City Star, 18 July 2026 State-run news agency IRNA said the Bonji desalination plant was destroyed, cutting off water supplies to about 10,000 people, and a desalination plant on strategic Qeshm Island inside the strait was damaged. Jon Gambrell, Fortune, 18 July 2026 Iran also reported strikes on the strategic Qeshm Island and on Friday said that its Chabahar port, where India operates a terminal, was attacked and a control tower was destroyed. Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 18 July 2026 Severe droughts and searing heat across vast swathes of southern Europe destroyed large parts of the olive oil harvest, culminating in a dizzying price rally that shocked industry veterans and consumers alike. Sam Meredith, CNBC, 17 July 2026 Most historians believe that Troy did exist, and the city was destroyed by warfare and fire. Eliana Dockterman, Time, 17 July 2026 Attacks on the coast have destroyed civilian and commercial boats used for fishing or trade. Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 17 July 2026 One residence was damaged and a minor structure was destroyed, according to an incident update. Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for destroyed
Adjective
  • Sitting on the rim of his consciousness was always cataclysm, the muted whisper of a ruined world.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 July 2026
Verb
  • West Harbor is the redevelopment of the former waterfront Ports O'Call Village, which was demolished in 2018.
    Julie Sharp, CBS News, 14 July 2026
  • The two-acre space was the site of the California State Building, which suffered systemic damage in the 1971 Sylmar earthquake and was demolished five years later.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 13 July 2026
Verb
  • The last three Republican presidents have left the country in the economic and war-ravaged mess that is the standard Republican modus operandi.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 17 July 2026
  • Three years later, the Dixie fire ravaged nearly a million acres.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026
Verb
  • An Iranian missile and drone attack has killed nine fighters of an Iranian-Kurdish group based in neighboring Iraq, according to an official from the group.
    Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
  • The defense attorneys argued Harris fired the first shots that killed Payton friend Turner and set off the barrage that led to the deaths of bystanders Martinez, Alexander, and Davis.
    Darrell Smith July 16, Sacbee.com, 17 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
  • When the driver did not emerge after officers repeatedly ordered him out of the SUV, an officer shattered the window.
    Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
  • Experience Doesn't Replace Understanding COVID-19 shattered the traditional office, boomers are working longer and Gen Z brings new expectations.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Verb
  • In a separate GoFundMe page, Castillo’s family said they were devastated by his death.
    Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026
  • The new flight comes as American Airlines twice daily direct flights between MIA and Caracas remain suspended following multiple earthquakes on June 24 that devastated Venezuela’s capital.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026
Adjective
  • There were also issues with wastewater disposal, damaged floors, and pots and pans encrusted with food debris and grease deposits.
    Zareen Syed, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026
  • Take the plant from its pot and cut away any dead or damaged roots, then repot the plant in fresh soil.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 14 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Destroyed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/destroyed. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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