1
as in ruining
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in ravaging
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 killing
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 destroying
Hamas’ charter calls for destroying Israel.
—
Wafaa Shurafa, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
When season five begins, Ed is a leader in the separatist group the Sons and Daughters of Mars, a former agent of the ruling order now intent on destroying it.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2026
Such a determination would require new radiocarbon dating that overturns the original results, which would involve clipping and destroying another snippet of shroud—a step that the Vatican is unlikely to allow.
—Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 9 Apr. 2026
The deployment is five years ahead of schedule, evidence of a global scramble for cost-effective means of destroying cheap drones.
—Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 8 Apr. 2026
Deepwater Horizon came close to destroying the population of the Rice’s whale, most often seen off the coast of the Florida Panhandle — but in the past decade, barely seen at all.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2026
Instead of using explosives, most attacks used carbon fiber bombs that incapacitated the facilities instead of destroying them.
—Chris Boccia, ABC News, 7 Apr. 2026
But this war is destroying families.
—Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 7 Apr. 2026
In the weeks since, fears of a long-term occupation of southern Lebanon have grown, with Israel moving to establish a buffer zone in the area, leveling homes and destroying bridges over the Litani River, which connects the south to the rest of Lebanon, while taking control of what crossings remain.
—Chantal Da Silva, NBC news, 3 Apr. 2026
Wafaa Shurafa, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
When season five begins, Ed is a leader in the separatist group the Sons and Daughters of Mars, a former agent of the ruling order now intent on destroying it.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2026
Such a determination would require new radiocarbon dating that overturns the original results, which would involve clipping and destroying another snippet of shroud—a step that the Vatican is unlikely to allow.
—Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 9 Apr. 2026
The deployment is five years ahead of schedule, evidence of a global scramble for cost-effective means of destroying cheap drones.
—Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 8 Apr. 2026
Deepwater Horizon came close to destroying the population of the Rice’s whale, most often seen off the coast of the Florida Panhandle — but in the past decade, barely seen at all.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2026
Instead of using explosives, most attacks used carbon fiber bombs that incapacitated the facilities instead of destroying them.
—Chris Boccia, ABC News, 7 Apr. 2026
But this war is destroying families.
—Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 7 Apr. 2026
In the weeks since, fears of a long-term occupation of southern Lebanon have grown, with Israel moving to establish a buffer zone in the area, leveling homes and destroying bridges over the Litani River, which connects the south to the rest of Lebanon, while taking control of what crossings remain.
—Chantal Da Silva, NBC news, 3 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for destroying
Verb
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And thanks to their merino wool blend—helpful for moisture control and odor resistance—I did’t have to worry about ruining good shoes with gross foot sweat.—
Christa Sgobba,
Glamour,
31 Mar. 2026
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The young Wolverines had already taken their leave with figurative Texas tread marks ruining their silky white, maize and blue uniforms.—
Cedric Golden,
Austin American Statesman,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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In this alternate past, a fatal blood virus, known informally as the Red Wind, has been ravaging the population for about a decade.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Mar. 2026
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Because the nerves were already ravaging his poise.—
Marcus Thompson II,
New York Times,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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But last year a single pack was responsible for killing about 100 calves in less than seven months in the high ranchland of Sierra County north of Truckee, costing ranchers and the state millions and terrifying residents.—
Sharon Bernstein,
Sacbee.com,
8 Apr. 2026
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Prosecutors, meanwhile, argue that Clancy carefully planned and plotted before allegedly killing her three children by sending her husband out of the house.—
Chris Spargo,
PEOPLE,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
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But here’s the thing — ignoring your gutters is one of the fastest ways to turn a free weekend project into a budget-wrecking emergency repair.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Miami Herald,
31 Mar. 2026
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This might drive like a dirt race, giving Reddick, Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell a chance to shine as their cars are on the verge of wrecking.—
Jordan Bianchi,
New York Times,
21 Mar. 2026
Verb
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For this woman, devastating in her humanity and dignity throughout the four months of the extraordinary trial, who was propelled into becoming a global icon in the fight against the violence done to women, the time has now come to rebuild.—
TIME,
Time,
7 Apr. 2026
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Our team found that a hospital cyberattack cut the odds of surviving a cardiac arrest without devastating brain damage by nearly 90% at nearby hospitals, not just the one that was attacked.—
Jeffrey Tully,
Fortune,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
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In a text message, Intriago wrote that certain Americans needed Charles’ protection after acting under a Haitian judge’s order that led to Moïse’s slaying more than four years ago.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
6 Apr. 2026
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Taylor, 35, has been slaying this award season, not only on the red carpet but also by earning an Oscar nomination for best supporting actress in Paul Thomas Anderson's action dramedy.—
Taylor Ardrey,
USA Today,
16 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The musician and fashion mogul began the process of demolishing the architectural gem, completely stripping its electricity, plumbing, bathrooms, and windows.—
India Roby,
Architectural Digest,
8 Apr. 2026
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The Michigan basketball team is headed to the NCAA national championship game Monday night after demolishing Arizona 93-71 in the Final Four on Saturday in Indianapolis.—
Brian Manzullo,
Freep.com,
5 Apr. 2026
Verb
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But customers should not expect earth-shattering menu changes.—
Michael Deeds,
Idaho Statesman,
2 Apr. 2026
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With large hailstones capable of shattering windshields and denting vehicles, meteorologists are urging residents to move cars into garages, covered parking areas or sheltered spots.—
Anna Skinner,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Destroying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/destroying. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.
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