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

Further destruction came in the subsequent years of heavy fighting in the area. — Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2026

That this attack was pulled off with seeming ease and the destruction was horrifying and devastating. — Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026

Some clips appeared to show massive explosions of villages in Lebanon, where Israeli destruction of civilian infrastructure has drawn condemnation from human rights groups as potential war crimes, which Netanyahu's government denies. — Daniel Estrin, NPR, 28 Oct. 2026

But even just the destruction of one mural was enough to cause a stir online. — Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 28 Oct. 2026