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
Relevance
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
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Recent Examples of destruction
That’s no easy feat, since coming to grips with environmental destruction is overwhelming and anxiety-inducing for most people and reducing climate impacts on film sets, where time is money, calls for balancing expectations with reality.
—
Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 7 Sep. 2025
The Pentagon hasn't released information publicly justifying the destruction of the boat.
—Bart Jansen, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2025
Some western Missourians still commemorate destruction by the Jayhawkers in the intervening years.
—Quentin Corpuel, Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025
Down in the town, Kevin McKay’s (Matthew McConaughey) life is already on the brink of destruction.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 6 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for destruction
Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 7 Sep. 2025
The Pentagon hasn't released information publicly justifying the destruction of the boat.
—Bart Jansen, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2025
Some western Missourians still commemorate destruction by the Jayhawkers in the intervening years.
—Quentin Corpuel, Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025
Down in the town, Kevin McKay’s (Matthew McConaughey) life is already on the brink of destruction.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 6 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for destruction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for destruction
Noun
-
And that's not where the worst of the devastation lies.—
Amira El-Fekki,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring, published in three parts in the magazine in 1962 and later as a book, alerted the country to the devastation of the pesticide DDT and is credited with launching the modern environmental movement.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
1 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
On the other hand, Theo, whose downfall as a great architect definitely put a toll on his self-confidence, decides to build a huge, fancy house for his family.—
Maelle Beauget-Uhl,
Forbes.com,
31 Aug. 2025
-
His downfall had begun weeks earlier, triggered by the discovery of an affair.—
Cheyenne Roundtree,
Rolling Stone,
28 Aug. 2025
Noun
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While not all of the federal government’s tariff revenue is at risk, losing a huge chunk would still create havoc on the deficit and bond market.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Steve gently coaxes him back to school, where the film crew is causing havoc.—
Damon Wise,
Deadline,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
To call it a Life Ruiner is not to say that a life of letters is necessarily ruination—but rather, to identify it as the book . . .—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
13 Aug. 2025
-
Fetterman and McCormick set for high-stakes Pennsylvania forum MAJOR HEADLINES ‘DAMAGING DECISION’ – Trump says tariff ruling could lead to 'economic ruination' of US.—
,
FOXNews.com,
2 June 2025
Noun
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There is nothing to choose between them, but there was a consistency, clinical edge and an abracadabra touch that made this performance the best Alcaraz has played in a major final, barring that 2024 demolition of Novak Djokovic on Centre Court.—
Tim Ellis,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
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Historic districts come with additional rules and regulations for renovations, construction and demolitions.—
Chris Higgins,
Kansas City Star,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Researchers measured violent and property crime data from 2023, fatal car accidents, drug overdose deaths and excessive drinking rates.—
Tiffani Jackson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 Sep. 2025
-
This time, Charles, Oliver and Mabel investigate the death of their building's beloved doorman Lester (Teddy Coluca), which may or may not have involved foul play and may or may not be connected to the mob.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Approximately 44% of global reef-building coral species are at risk of extinction due to climate change, the International Union for Conservation of Nature said in its 2024 Red List of Threatened Species.—
Julia Jacobo,
ABC News,
3 Sep. 2025
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Barriers like highways, fencing, border walls and other development projects threaten to leave roaming species without the option to expand, ultimately leading to localized extinction.—
John Leos,
AZCentral.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Yet the growth trajectory faces an undoing of its own making.—
Kiri Masters,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Frankenstein, an adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic tale of Victor Frankenstein, centers on a brilliant but egotistical scientist (Isaac) who brings a creature (Elordi) to life in an experiment that ultimately leads to the undoing of both the creator and his tragic creation.—
Chris Gardner,
HollywoodReporter,
30 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Destruction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/destruction. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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