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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Powering some of the most destructive and inhuman forces in the world. — Marlow Stern, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026 The Eaton fire was the state’s second-most destructive fire after the 2018 Camp fire, which killed 85 people and destroyed most of the town of Paradise. — Melody Petersen, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026 But there is a steady drip of research showing that AI is job-destructive at the edges. — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2026 Even so, 2026, which, thus far, has featured five lethal heat waves and a historic spate of destructive wildfires, has triggered alarm across the Continent, and beyond. — Eric Klinenberg, New Yorker, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for destructive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for destructive
  1. devastating
  2. disastrous
  3. fatal
  4. unfortunate
  5. catastrophic
Adjective
  • Our absolute priority right now is providing unwavering support to their families, friends and teammates during this devastating time.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Our absolute priority right now is providing unwavering support to their families, friends, and teammates during this devastating time.
    — Jack Moore, ABC News, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of devastating
Adjective
  • Harry Kane Kane was England’s clutch player at the World Cup, scoring a late double to avoid a disastrous early exit against DR Congo and netting what turned out to be the decisive goal from the penalty spot in England’s epic 3-2 win over Mexico.
    — Cerys Jones, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026
  • That area also roughly would coincide with the stock’s post-earnings close from May 28, after a disastrous revenue miss.
    — Schaeffer's Investment Research, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of disastrous
Adjective
  • The family ran the rescue out of their New Hampshire house until a fatal fire burned it down in 2019.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The researchers also examined fatal crashes, looking at drivers’ ages, alcohol involvement, the number of people in the car and the model year of cars, as newer cars may have more safety features that prevent distraction.
    — Diana Anos, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of fatal
Adjective
  • That understanding for the narrator is one tinged with mourning for the boy who endured but also the suspect boy who was always there, even before all the unfortunate happenings.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The first addresses inflammation and irritation (an unfortunate side effect of vitamin C, for some people).
    — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of unfortunate
Adjective
  • Guthrie responded to the catastrophic damage brought by hurricanes Idalia, Helene and Milton, and to other crises like the Surfside condo collapse.
    — Michael Van Sickler, Miami Herald, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Under American stewardship, catastrophic wars have shattered Lebanon, Libya, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen.
    — MARC LYNCH, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of catastrophic

Browse Nearby Words

destructions
destructive
desuetude
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Destructive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/destructive. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on destructive

Nglish: Translation of destructive for Spanish Speakers

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