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

Abu Agila Mas’ud Kheir Al-Marimi was charged with destruction of an aircraft resulting in death and destruction of a vehicle of interstate commerce by means of an explosive resulting in death. — Keith Langston, PEOPLE, 30 July 2026

Iran would retaliate against Gulf infrastructure, and the destruction would spread across states that are party to none of this. — Hamidreza Azizi, Time, 30 July 2026

Lightning and more destruction follow Beneath this storm lies a landscape primed to burn. — Thomas Adamson, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026

And after King struck out Ezequiel Tovar, McCarthy drove in Julien with a single and Mickey Moniak resumed his destruction of his hometown team with a two-run homer. — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 July 2026