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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2
as in disastrous
bringing about ruin or misfortune
technology used for destructive ends
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Example Sentences
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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
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
Adjective
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In other words, a more restrictive immigration stance is not just a policy change, but presents a health care issue that could be devastating to millions of American families, said Pillai, who co-authored the KFF report.
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Critics counter that the abrupt withdrawal of aid is already having devastating humanitarian consequences.
Adjective
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The last time Rushing caught Ohtani, the pitcher took over pitch-calling after a disastrous second inning against the Twins last week.
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Since his disastrous tenure with the New York Yankees from 2016 to 2022, which included a suspension for violating MLB’s Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse policy, Chapman has worked to turn around his career.
Adjective
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The fatal hit-and-run occurred less than two hours after a 13-year-old boy was killed riding on the back of a moped in Queens after his friend slammed into an open car door and then careened into a moving truck.
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The highest number of fatal attacks, the study found, occurred after high-risk behaviors, including deliberately entering waterways known to contain alligators.
Adjective
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As attendees were escorted out of the Great American State Fair on Sunday because of inclement weather, guests noticed an unfortunate typo displayed on a digital billboard at the National Mall.
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They should be trained not to ask a bunch of questions about the medical condition, express doubt, comment that the timing is unfortunate or share private information with co-workers.
Adjective
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On the narrow question of AI’s most catastrophic risks, the major powers are beginning to agree.
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Preexisting callus consistent with a repetitive stress injury leading to a catastrophic musculoskeletal failure.
Cite this Entry
“Destructive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/destructive. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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