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 But weather experts warn that even a single tropical storm can cause massive destruction. — Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2026 Their venom causes intense pain, swelling, bleeding, tissue destruction, and potentially fatal systemic complications. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 6 Aug. 2026 The destruction of Solomon's Temple ushered in the Second Temple period, the era of Judaism in which Jesus lived and practiced. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2026 Law enforcement agencies are warning of Flock camera destruction, according to an intelligence bulletin reviewed by ABC News. — Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 6 Aug. 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
  • Scientists expect more wildfire devastation as people move closer to danger and climate change ups wildfire risk.
    — Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026
  • However, the article emphasizes socialism's historical failures, citing the collapse of the Soviet Union and Venezuela's severe economic devastation under socialist policies.
    — Mike Patton, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of devastation
Noun
  • His lack of participation in tournaments following the event may have been his downfall in his attempt to make the playoffs.
    — Tim Corlett, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026
  • For one, the Tea Party folks weren't trying to bring about the downfall of Western civilization and the United States of America.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of downfall
Noun
  • The tropical storm hit Japan days after Typhoon Dolphin created havoc in parts of southern Japan, paralyzing traffic and sending hundreds to take shelter.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • At the center of the effort was sixth-year linebacker Nick Bolton, the quarterback of the unit, who focused on galvanizing the troops to create havoc and slow down an offense that had been humming earlier in the frame.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 10 Aug. 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
  • The White House announced the construction of the 90,000-square foot ballroom last July, and demolition began suddenly on the East Wing in late October when workers were spotted tearing down that wing of the White House.
    — Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Last week, the UN human rights chief Volker Türk called on Israel to end its occupation and halt the demolition of homes.
    — Ava Bambuck, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of demolition
Noun
  • Packets of fortified peanut paste that cost less than a dollar each can bring a malnourished child back from the brink of death within weeks.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • After his death in 1934, Schilling’s spice company merged with McCormick’s, a Baltimore firm, which remains a leading international food business.
    — Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of death
Noun
  • This system plays a role in modulating stress responsivity, fear extinction, emotional memory consolidation, and sleep–wake regulation.
    — Dario Sabaghi, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • But this is more important, in respect to the extinction crisis and the role the reptile trade plays in the global wildlife and exotic animal trade.
    — Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of extinction
Noun
  • Ultimately, the provisions meant to lock taxpayers in could be the wealth tax’s undoing.
    — Jared Walczak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 July 2026
  • Nadella, in a nutshell, is saying that heavily relying on proprietary AI software could also be a company’s undoing.
    — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 29 July 2026
Definition of undoing

Browse Nearby Words

destructible
destruction
destructions
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Cite this Entry

“Destruction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/destruction. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of destruction for Spanish Speakers

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