Synonyms of destruction

destruction

noun

di-ˈstrək-shən 

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

• devastation
• havoc
• demolition
• extinction
• loss
• extermination
• annihilation
• obliteration
• decimation
• ruin
• ruination
• wastage
• wreckage
• demolishment
• collapse
• desolation
• disintegration
• slaughter
• mincemeat
• depredation
• dissolution
• massacre
• execution
• despoliation
• breakup
• killing
• assassination
• despoilment
• eradication
• dismantlement
• effacement

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• building
• construction
• erection
• saving
• salvation
• raising
• rescue
• protection
• preservation
• salvage
• conservation
• restoration
• reconstruction
• reclamation
• remodeling
• renovation
• re-creation
• refurbishment
• regeneracy

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

• downfall
• ruination
• death
• undoing
• kiss of death
• curse
• ruin
• torment
• bane
• tragic flaw
• Achilles' heel

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of destruction

When Newsom first took office in 2019, PG&E was in bankruptcy as a result of the company’s massive liabilities from the death and destruction those fires wrought. — Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 11 Sep. 2026

Satellite imagery and news reports previously verified that Iranian missiles have caused extensive damage to the base dating to the start of the war in February, but Cao's comment offers a stark new confirmation of the scope of destruction. — Melina Khan, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026

The destruction of the Iraqi state helped create a vacuum in which violent extremism evolved and flourished. — Ayman M. Mohyeldin, Vanity Fair, 11 Sep. 2026

While the city eventually reimbursed Figgs for attorneys fees, attorney Edward Moor of Moor Law Office says the clerk is entitled to damages for suffering over four years, as the document destruction lawsuit filed in October 2021 dragged on. — Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 10 Sep. 2026