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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of destructive
The bill comes as the state grapples with how to persuade insurance companies to continue doing business in California amid increasingly destructive wildfire seasons.
—
Ethan Varian, Mercury News, 1 May 2025
When a classmate or unknown predator has access to someone’s nude photos a destructive power dynamic is created.
—Adaira Landry, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
This is destructive enabling behavior lending legitimacy to a president who should be getting articles of impeachment daily.
—Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025
Downbursts can be as destructive as tornadoes, but their winds develop in a very different way.
—Amal Elawady, The Conversation, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for destructive
Ethan Varian, Mercury News, 1 May 2025
When a classmate or unknown predator has access to someone’s nude photos a destructive power dynamic is created.
—Adaira Landry, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
This is destructive enabling behavior lending legitimacy to a president who should be getting articles of impeachment daily.
—Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025
Downbursts can be as destructive as tornadoes, but their winds develop in a very different way.
—Amal Elawady, The Conversation, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for destructive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for destructive
Adjective
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The Knicks’ 121-113 win in Game 4 was particularly devastating for the Celtics, who lost Jayson Tatum — their leader in points, rebounds and assists per game — to a right Achilles tear in the waning minutes.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
17 May 2025
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To come this far and fall — again — at the last fence would be devastating.—
Matt Woosnam,
New York Times,
17 May 2025
Adjective
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The second leg against AZ after a disastrous 1-0 defeat in Holland.—
Jack Pitt-Brooke,
New York Times,
9 May 2025
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That quickly became disastrous for both sides as officials had a very public spat with one another using harsh rhetoric in front of a slew of journalists invited to cover what was initially intended to be brief opening remarks.—
Elisabeth Buchwald,
CNN Money,
9 May 2025
Adjective
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From cold cases cracked decades later to trials still underway, here are 18 fatal crimes that occurred at colleges and universities.—
Corin Cesaric,
People.com,
18 May 2025
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The killing is Kansas City’s 60th homicide this year, according to data maintained by The Star, which includes fatal police shootings.—
Kendrick Calfee,
Kansas City Star,
17 May 2025
Adjective
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None of his previous work has been released in the U.S., which is unfortunate because Demoustier (brother of the talented actress Anaïs) is one of those rare French filmmakers who can blend suspense with perceptive writing and characterization, resulting in artsy thrillers that dig deep.—
Jordan Mintzer,
HollywoodReporter,
16 May 2025
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The decision was so unfortunate that the NAIA felt compelled to issue an apology.—
Julio Cesar Valdera Morales,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Destructive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/destructive. Accessed 22 May. 2025.
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