1
as in demolishes
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 ravages
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 kills
to deprive of life
regrettably, the veterinarian was forced to destroy the injured horse
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 destroys
Producing traditional paper destroys trees and is resource-intensive, requiring up to 13 liters of water for every page made.
—
Sandy Ong, JSTOR Daily, 11 Sep. 2025
In those situations, the team typically takes the potentially explosive item to a remote area and destroys it, just to be safe, Putthoff said.
—Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 10 Sep. 2025
Also, in most instances, TEM usually destroys organic samples under the beam.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2025
Renting but smart Making money through high-risk equipment rental (like drones or cameras) appears promising until a single accident completely destroys your revenue.
—Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
The television series and video game franchise are set in 2296, several centuries after nuclear war destroys civilization.
—Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 5 Sep. 2025
Ungoverning destroys the informational infrastructure on which all good decisions depend.
—Russell Muirhead, Foreign Affairs, 5 Sep. 2025
Liposuction surgically removes fat cells, while cryolipolysis freezes and destroys them.
—Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 29 Aug. 2025
But the loving couple’s equilibrium hits a major bump when a freak coastal storm destroys Theo’s new building before its inauguration and viral videos compound his humiliation.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2025
Sandy Ong, JSTOR Daily, 11 Sep. 2025
In those situations, the team typically takes the potentially explosive item to a remote area and destroys it, just to be safe, Putthoff said.
—Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 10 Sep. 2025
Also, in most instances, TEM usually destroys organic samples under the beam.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2025
Renting but smart Making money through high-risk equipment rental (like drones or cameras) appears promising until a single accident completely destroys your revenue.
—Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
The television series and video game franchise are set in 2296, several centuries after nuclear war destroys civilization.
—Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 5 Sep. 2025
Ungoverning destroys the informational infrastructure on which all good decisions depend.
—Russell Muirhead, Foreign Affairs, 5 Sep. 2025
Liposuction surgically removes fat cells, while cryolipolysis freezes and destroys them.
—Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 29 Aug. 2025
But the loving couple’s equilibrium hits a major bump when a freak coastal storm destroys Theo’s new building before its inauguration and viral videos compound his humiliation.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for destroys
Verb
-
As extreme heat ravages New York City this summer, the lives of thousands detained on Rikers Island hang in the balance.—
Darren Mack,
New York Daily News,
4 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Of course, Arness finally out wits and kills him, but meanwhile there’s lots of good western style entertainment.—
Hal Landers,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Sep. 2025
-
This makes the relationship somewhat of a ticking time bomb, as resentment from sacrificing — or being put in the position of always being sacrificed for — kills love and authentic connection.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Deadly flooding devastates South Asia Almost 400 people have died in Pakistan after flash floods brought destruction throughout the country’s north.—
Semafor Staff,
semafor.com,
22 Aug. 2025
-
Illness devastates the novel’s humble, endearing protagonist, who bravely crosses class boundaries in her enthralling search for peace.—
Gabrielle Bellot,
Literary Hub,
12 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
That means, the two are booked and busy serving gothic style slays all day — with one exception.—
Michelle Lee,
People.com,
15 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
The shift change shatters my sleep like a robin’s egg crashing against pavement.—
Manuel Muñoz,
Literary Hub,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Most sitcoms that cast celebrities to play themselves go the Thompson route, crafting a character that completely shatters the person’s public image.—
Fran Hoepfner,
Vulture,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
When that happens, 67% of teens say their malfunctioning laptop ruins their entire day.—
Sherri Gordon,
Parents,
11 Sep. 2025
-
One mistake often ruins an entire load, sending recyclables straight to landfills.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The trend isn’t one-sided either, as clips have surfaced of brides being the ones to start the frosting fight, like in this TikTok video where a bride smashes a piece of cake on her groom’s face.—
Kimberlee Speakman,
PEOPLE,
11 Sep. 2025
-
In the United Kingdom, as fans wait for something new from the global pop star, one of her earlier career smashes returns to the top 40 and becomes a bestseller again.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Messy data wrecks forecasts, distorts reporting and wastes time.—
Thasha Batts,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Destroys.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/destroys. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share