destructive

adjective

di-ˈstrək-tiv How to pronounce destructive (audio)
Definition of destructivenext
1
as in devastating
causing or tending to cause destruction the destructive storm blew down trees all over town, and blew the roof off our neighbor's house

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in disastrous
bringing about ruin or misfortune technology used for destructive ends

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 destructive In March 1948, central Oklahoma was inundated with destructive tornadoes -- two of which struck the Tinker Air Force Base. — Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 4 July 2026 While owned by the NRC, the library gives the researchers access to sample components that are tested using a non-destructive evaluation (NDE) approach. — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 2 July 2026 Its host star has been a white dwarf for longer than that, which means the exoplanet was safe during the star's destructive red giant phase, and moved into its tight orbit afterwards. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 2 July 2026 While all trees require some cleanup and care, some are messier and more destructive than others. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for destructive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for destructive
  1. devastating
  2. disastrous
  3. fatal
  4. unfortunate
  5. catastrophic
Adjective
  • Emergency services in Andalusia said the death toll rose overnight amid the devastating blaze.
    — Tom Soufi Burridge, ABC News, 10 July 2026
  • Stay after the final whistle, because this is one of the few places where a win—or a devastating loss—can still end in a conga line.
    — Amber Love Bond, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of devastating
Adjective
  • There’s no excuse for the disastrous outcome of this very expensive renovation.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 10 July 2026
  • Experts suggest that this significant addition to the technological ecosystem in orbit could have disastrous consequences for life on Earth.
    — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 9 July 2026
Definition of disastrous
Adjective
  • Like many Maine officials, Biddeford mayor Liam LaFountain has called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the fatal shooting of 26-year-old Joan Sebastian Guerrero at the hands of a federal agent.
    — Caroll Alvarado, CNN Money, 14 July 2026
  • In the third season, Juliette has lost her memories in the process of surviving a near-fatal experience being locked in an incinerator.
    — Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 13 July 2026
Definition of fatal
Adjective
  • For many women, painful periods are treated as an unfortunate but normal part of life.
    — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 7 July 2026
  • Instead, the meddling radiated corruption over due process of an unfortunate but longstanding rule that has remedies seldom invoked in the middle of the World Cup.
    — Vahe Gregorian July 7, Kansas City Star, 7 July 2026
Definition of unfortunate
Adjective
  • Major personal injury firms have invested heavily in the infrastructure needed to handle large commercial vehicle and catastrophic injury cases, including in-house accident reconstruction, medical expert networks and trial presentation technology.
    — Karen Koehler, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 July 2026
  • Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket—also owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos—is out of service after a catastrophic explosion on the launch pad at Cape Canaveral in late May.
    — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 7 July 2026
Definition of catastrophic

Browse Nearby Words

destructions
destructive
desuetude
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Cite this Entry

“Destructive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/destructive. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of destructive for Spanish Speakers

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