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
  • Many of those thought to have been involved in Shakur’s fatal shooting have since died.
    — Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Grayson, 32, was convicted of second-degree murder in October in the fatal shooting of Massey, a 36-year-old Black woman who had reported a possible prowler outside her Springfield-area home.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of fatal
Adjective
  • Hall was excellent for Newcastle against Liverpool in the clubs’ season opener on Sunday, and unfortunate to concede a stoppage-time penalty for the equaliser.
    — Andy Naylor, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • People have an unfortunate tendency to make this song sound dour, but Garcia fills it with energy.
    — Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of unfortunate
Adjective
  • As the consequences of this strategically catastrophic campaign become ever more apparent, the New Right’s clout is set to grow, having opposed the war from the start.
    — Leonard A. Schuette, Foreign Affairs, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The heavy snows purify the air and insulate the food warehouses, locking in the high humidity and stable chill necessary to nurture delicate winter koji and yeast strains without catastrophic temperature spikes.
    — Adam H. Graham, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Aug. 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 26 Aug. 2026.

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