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
Even moderate rainfall can quickly transform these waterways into destructive torrents that overflow into nearby townships, including Friendswood and League City.
—
Dominic Boyer, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2026
The system, which cut south of the Kansas City metro Monday night, produced destructive tornadoes and left a swath of damage in its wake in several communities south of the metro.
—Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 14 Apr. 2026
But the far greater impact of this unnecessary and destructive war will be on the overall economies of our own nation and around the world.
—Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 12 Apr. 2026
The plan was for a handful of civilians to get in the way of and to stop development of the most destructive technology man has ever invented.
—Michael James Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for destructive
Dominic Boyer, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2026
The system, which cut south of the Kansas City metro Monday night, produced destructive tornadoes and left a swath of damage in its wake in several communities south of the metro.
—Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 14 Apr. 2026
But the far greater impact of this unnecessary and destructive war will be on the overall economies of our own nation and around the world.
—Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 12 Apr. 2026
The plan was for a handful of civilians to get in the way of and to stop development of the most destructive technology man has ever invented.
—Michael James Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for destructive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for destructive
Adjective
-
In September, authorities arrested a boy from Illinois who in 2023, at age 15, allegedly launched a devastating cyberattack on Las Vegas casinos that reportedly cost MGM Resorts alone more than $100 million.—
Mike Levine,
ABC News,
14 Apr. 2026
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The upswing suggests that the exhibition industry is beginning to recover from the devastating downturn that occurred in the aftermath of the pandemic when people got out of the habit of watching movies on the big screen and instead turned to Netflix and other streaming platforms.—
Samantha Masunaga,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Sure, after the Epstein scandal and that disastrous interview, Andrew was forced to step down as working royal.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
12 Apr. 2026
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McIlroy led by six strokes after 36 holes but entered Sunday tied for first after a disastrous third round.—
Kayla Hayempour,
NBC news,
12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
However, the company confirmed the leaking line was installed in the early 1970s — the same era as the pipe involved in the fatal 1997 blast.—
Lexi Salazar,
CBS News,
15 Apr. 2026
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In July 2024, a Santa Fe judge dismissed the involuntary manslaughter case against Baldwin, 68, for the fatal shooting after ruling that the prosecution concealed evidence from his legal team.—
Tracy Wright,
FOXNews.com,
14 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Mikey never ended up doing anything beyond flirting, but his unfortunate turn of phrase was all Sydney needed to begin exploring her options in the villa.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 Apr. 2026
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The Charlotte Hornets received an unfortunate reminder Friday night in their last home game of the regular season.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Though not as big or catastrophic as the asteroid theorized to have wiped out the dinosaurs 66 million years ago, Apophis would cause widespread destruction up to several hundred kilometers from its impact site.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
16 Apr. 2026
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Through skilled diplomacy, a catastrophic war was avoided.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
16 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Destructive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/destructive. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.
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