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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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
All told, the destructive flooding in Texas on the Fourth of July killed at least 136 people and washed away homes and vehicles.
—
S.e. Jenkins, CBS News, 23 Feb. 2026
As a result, there is far less destructive pressure and no reason to specialize too soon, and young athletes are encouraged to try out multiple sports.
—Don Riddell, CNN Money, 22 Feb. 2026
Japan, one of the most crowded countries in the world, is embracing and incorporating wildlife in its cities in spectacular, innovative ways (see BBC’s Planet Earth documentaries) that are a delight to behold, and not destructive.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 22 Feb. 2026
As the reservoirs of the Republican and Democratic voters evaporate, independents are becoming a stream of optimism for removing the wasteful and destructive policy of the two-party war that is pushing us further apart.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 21 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for destructive
S.e. Jenkins, CBS News, 23 Feb. 2026
As a result, there is far less destructive pressure and no reason to specialize too soon, and young athletes are encouraged to try out multiple sports.
—Don Riddell, CNN Money, 22 Feb. 2026
Japan, one of the most crowded countries in the world, is embracing and incorporating wildlife in its cities in spectacular, innovative ways (see BBC’s Planet Earth documentaries) that are a delight to behold, and not destructive.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 22 Feb. 2026
As the reservoirs of the Republican and Democratic voters evaporate, independents are becoming a stream of optimism for removing the wasteful and destructive policy of the two-party war that is pushing us further apart.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 21 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for destructive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for destructive
Adjective
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Though both storms are similar — with a major storm system lingering over the region for over a day and whipping the region with merciless hurricane-level winds, driving inch after inch of wet snow — what made the 1978 storm so devastating was the apparent suddenness of its arrival.—
Doyle Rice,
USA Today,
24 Feb. 2026
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In much of Europe, by contrast, the chauvinism that had fuelled two devastating World Wars rendered such displays largely taboo after Hitler’s defeat.—
Ian Buruma,
New Yorker,
23 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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This embarrassment of riches not only elevated the TV spectacle, but also the atmosphere in the Co-op Live Arena (which has successfully bounced back from its disastrous opening in 2024).—
Mark Sutherland,
Variety,
1 Mar. 2026
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The general manager was a very unpopular man in Denver following a couple of massive misfires — the disastrous hiring of Nathaniel Hackett and the trade and massive extension for Wilson.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
28 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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American Canyon police said the rider was not licensed to operate the motorcycle and was not wearing a helmet at the time of the fatal collision.—
Darrell Smith,
Sacbee.com,
25 Feb. 2026
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The shooting drew national attention, leading prominent civil rights attorney Ben Crump to visit with Belt-Stubblefield’s widow and to condemn the fatal shooting.—
Noelle Phillips,
Denver Post,
24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The bizarre, unfortunate name mix-up was revealed in its full extent this week at the trial of Colin Gray, the father of the school shooter, on charges of murder and manslaughter.—
Eric Levenson,
CNN Money,
28 Feb. 2026
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Coach Erik Spoelstra said Powell was deemed fit to play ahead of the game, with the speed of 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey creating an unfortunate reaction.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Last year, State Farm paid $15 billion in claims to customers who suffered catastrophic losses, including about $5 billion to homeowners affected by the devastating Southern California wildfires in January 2025, Schell said.—
Robert Channick,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Feb. 2026
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Instead of responding to catastrophic illness, clinicians can now recognize disease early — fundamentally changing its course.—
Jia Shen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Destructive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/destructive. Accessed 2 Mar. 2026.
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