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
  • Wrestling with his role in Dez’s downfall does a number on our hero, the ramifications of which are felt throughout Season 2.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Organizers say the exhibition will explore the relationship between artistic achievement and ethical accountability, rather than presenting a traditional narrative of downfall and redemption.
    — Robert Lang, Deadline, 31 July 2026
Definition of downfall
Noun
  • Iran has aimed significant firepower at its neighbors’ refineries, oil exports and tourist attractions, inflicting economic havoc on the Gulf states and the countries that do business with them.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
  • This can create a tricky situation if those roots are causing havoc around your home’s foundation or otherwise disrupting your landscaping.
    — Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 2 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
  • Robert’s backstory — his life in Chicago, his mother’s tragic accidental death, his dad wanting to send him to military school, his aunt in Century City offering to take him in — sounds overly rehearsed.
    — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Michigan alone has reported more than 12,000 cases — including two deaths.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 6 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 11 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of destruction for Spanish Speakers

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