as in destroyed
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1
as in ravaged
to bring destruction to (something) through violent action
the city was devastated, first by the earthquake and then by fires
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in ruined
to bring to a complete end the physical soundness, existence, or usefulness of
the explosion devastated an entire city block
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in overwhelmed
to subject to incapacitating emotional or mental stress
we were devastated by the awful news of his death
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of devastated
Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 7 Jan. 2026
The Gaza deal is in danger of stalling before reaching its complicated second phase that would involve naming an international governing body and rebuilding the devastated Palestinian territory.
—Arkansas Online, 30 Dec. 2025
Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 19 Feb. 2026
The entire Dead community was devastated that day, but Weir was especially shaken.
—David Browne, Rolling Stone, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for devastated
Adjective
In the immediate aftermath of the fires there was discussion about maybe there should have been more accessibility and exit routes in the central core of the Palisades that was so devastated.
—Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 7 Jan. 2026
The Gaza deal is in danger of stalling before reaching its complicated second phase that would involve naming an international governing body and rebuilding the devastated Palestinian territory.
—Arkansas Online, 30 Dec. 2025
Verb
Muslim nations including Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan and Kuwait have pledged the initial $7 billion, about 10% of the amount estimated to rebuild the Palestinian enclave that was devastated by a two-year war with Israel.
—Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 19 Feb. 2026
The entire Dead community was devastated that day, but Weir was especially shaken.
—David Browne, Rolling Stone, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for devastated
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devastated
Verb
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Despite their house being reduced to rubble and Gaza ravaged by conflict, the family is relieved and happy to finally be home.—
Nabih Bulos,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
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Sara Jo Mathews and her family did their part to fight the wildfire that ravaged New Mexico.—
Michael Collins,
USA Today,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Hefner said the photos should be destroyed.—
City News Service,
Daily News,
18 Feb. 2026
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And in the late 1980s, after Little Saigon found official recognition, freeway and street signs directing people to the community were frequently defaced and destroyed in disapproval, Hua said.—
Victoria Le,
Oc Register,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Cathy’s, um, secretions Fennell’s tendency to shock us only lightly comes (sorry) into full effect when Cathy steals off to the moors to masturbate against a giant rock, overwhelmed by her feelings for Heathcliff.—
Fran Hoepfner,
Vulture,
16 Feb. 2026
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This enables local food pantries to support as many individuals as possible without being overwhelmed by rising demand.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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His choices allow the viewer to drink in the intimate details of the ruined world.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
17 Nov. 2025
Verb
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British filmmaker Grant Gee took best director honors for Everyone Digs Bill Evans, a fragmented bio-drama on the influential jazz pianist who was shattered by the tragic loss of his bassist in a car accident.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
21 Feb. 2026
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Klaebo’s victory in the 50-kilometer mass start race shattered the nearly 50-year record set by American speed skater Eric Heiden, who won five golds in the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics.—
NBC News,
NBC news,
21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Helicopter footage showed the man darting out from the wrecked Charger in a black T-shirt and white shorts.—
Jacob Beltran,
San Antonio Express-News,
13 Feb. 2026
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The chase ended when the suspect crashed and ran from the wrecked vehicle, officials said.—
Ashley Carnahan,
FOXNews.com,
12 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Even if there were sites that did not get preserved, or were demolished, there were debates over whether that should happen.—
Phaedra Trethan,
USA Today,
13 Feb. 2026
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Willowcreek Middle School will remain until its replacement is ready for use, then demolished to make way for the rest of the project.—
Doug Ross,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Celebrity hairstylist Sami Knight recommends focusing on products that support scalp health and strengthen the hair fibers — like the Epres bond repair treatment, which can repair and fortify damaged strands.—
Rebecca Strong,
USA Today,
10 Feb. 2026
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Take the plant from its pot and cut away any dead or damaged roots, then repot the plant in fresh soil.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Devastated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devastated. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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