destruction

noun

di-ˈstrək-shən How to pronounce destruction (audio)
Definition of destructionnext
1
as in devastation
the state or fact of being rendered nonexistent, physically unsound, or useless the violent storm resulted in the destruction of their tree house

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in downfall
something that is the cause of one's ultimate failure or loss of life alcohol will be her destruction if we don't intervene to help her

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 destruction If convicted, Polite faces up to six months in prison for obstruction of mail and one year for delay or destruction of mail, prosecutors said. — Richard Ramos, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026 Polite was charged with one count of obstructing the passage of mail and one count of destruction or delay of mail. — Michael McGough, Sacbee.com, 3 Nov. 2026 Another rise in prices, or oil prices sustained at this level, will only lead to even more demand destruction. — Amena Bakr, semafor.com, 2 Nov. 2026 However, prosecutors filed a superseding indictment with only two charges — destruction of property by means of fire and arson affecting property used in interstate commerce. — City News Service, Daily News, 2 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for destruction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for destruction
  1. devastation
  2. downfall
  3. havoc
  4. ruination
  5. demolition
  6. death
  7. extinction
  8. undoing
Noun
  • The devastation wreaked on the Republican Party last week was simply astounding, with their candidates losing in just about every place and every spot up and down ballot.
    — Bradley Gitz, Arkansas Online, 9 Nov. 2026
  • And as Japan rebuilds from both wartime devastation and from Godzilla’s rampage through various cities, including Tokyo, a new threat arrives from outer space—and this one can fly.
    — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of devastation
Noun
  • The sentences cap a stunning downfall for the brothers, particularly Tal and Oren, who rose to prominence as luxury real estate brokers handling multimillion-dollar properties and catering to wealthy clients.
    — Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Vucic’s downfall mirrors that of Hungary’s Orban There are strong parallels with Hungary, where strongman Viktor Orbán was defeated earlier this year.
    — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of downfall
Noun
  • Meanwhile, the war has wreaked global havoc with no end in sight.
    — S. C. M. Paine, Foreign Affairs, 3 Nov. 2026
  • In December 2004 such a wave swept over Earth, causing some havoc.
    — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of havoc
Noun
  • No other city in the country would blow off the ruination of a community.
    — Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026
  • Some of these are arranged into more staid compositions of geometric bands of color, while others bend and bulge into shapes evoking the baroque ruination of junk-yard findings.
    — Vince Aletti, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2026
Definition of ruination
Noun
  • Pan Am’s Miami headquarters first opened in 1964, sat empty for 15 years, and was slated for demolition before PS restored it.
    — Lauren Harano, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
  • According to The Real Deal, demolition permits have been sought for the sites, and the city has approved the removal of several structures, including homes and guesthouses.
    — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of demolition
Noun
  • Jenica Monique Ochoa, 45, and Kenneth Eugene Tompkins, 43, have been charged with conspiracy to commit a crime and concealing a death, according to Santa Barbara Superior Court Records reviewed by PEOPLE.
    — Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Investigators say lithium-ion batteries were the cause of a fire that led to the death of a Boston firefighter in May.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of death
Noun
  • In the early 19th century, California’s sea otters were hunted to the brink of extinction, the unparalleled softness and value of their fur drawing fur trappers all the way from Russia into California.
    — Joseph Ogilvy, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 2026
  • The timing has raised questions about whether the environmental changes following that extinction helped the fungus’s ancestors thrive.
    — Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of extinction
Noun
  • Blakeman also bashed Hochul's alliance with Mamdani, saying her working relationship with the democratic socialist would lead to her undoing.
    — Jeff Capellini, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026
  • But the Spurs’ offense, which was their undoing last year in the NBA Finals, hasn’t looked much better.
    — Dan Woike, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of undoing

Browse Nearby Words

destructible
destruction
destructions
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Destruction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/destruction. Accessed 11 Nov. 2026.

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