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

Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen oversaw the destruction and warned drug traffickers that authorities would step up efforts to disrupt the illicit trade. — ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026

Look only at the brand destruction both AT&T and then Discovery brought upon HBO Max/Max/HBO Max through indecisiveness and shifting strategies. — Josef Adalian, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2026

Banning credible press outlets such as CNN, MS NOW and Politico from our people’s house, also known as the White House, is unlawful and unconstitutional and leads to the destruction of our democracy. — Chicago Tribune, 23 Sep. 2026

The fact is, the choices fueling environmental destruction are also fueling the affordability crisis. — Illapa Sairitupac, New York Daily News, 23 Sep. 2026