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

Jamal has a flashback to the violent riots in the city of Mumbai after the destruction of the Babri Masjid. — Sohini Sarah Pillai, The Conversation, 14 Oct. 2026

In September, Wood warned about capital destruction resulting from the AI buildout. — Tobias Burns, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026

Trump’s reward to Putin comes in the wake of weeks of Russian bombardment of civilian targets in Ukraine resulting in the daily murder of civilians and destruction of civilian infrastructure. — Joel R. Levin, Chicago Tribune, 14 Oct. 2026

In turn, Philippine authorities temporarily banned GoreBox, a sandbox-style action game that simulates violence and destruction using weapons. — Chad De Guzman, Time, 14 Oct. 2026