devastated 1 of 2

Definition of devastatednext

devastated

2 of 2

verb

past tense of devastate
1
2
as in ruined
to bring to a complete end the physical soundness, existence, or usefulness of the explosion devastated an entire city block

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3

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 devastated
Adjective
Her passing devastated fans, artists, and the entire music community. Desjah Altvater, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026 That the Fendons don’t think to immediately tell their devastated adult son, Harry (Craig Roberts), that his dad is still alive is only the first delightfully absurd wrinkle in this mischievous black comedy. Judy Berman, Time, 8 July 2026
Verb
The public was devastated by the death of the iconic actress, with the news making the front page of newspapers around the world. Alex Gurley, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026 The attack targeted residents who had gathered to denounce resurgent militants and demand peace in an area devastated by militant violence. Riaz Khan, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for devastated
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devastated
Adjective
  • Sitting on the rim of his consciousness was always cataclysm, the muted whisper of a ruined world.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 July 2026
Verb
  • Over the course of seven hours, a series of waves, some as high as 30 feet, ravaged 15 countries including India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, killing more than 200,000 people and leaving millions without food, water, shelter, or jobs.
    Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Sinaloa has in recent years been ravaged by warring between two factions of the Sinaloa Cartel.
    ABC News, ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Most of the hospitals are taken over by gangs or have been destroyed, and … the economy’s not good.
    Catherine E. Shoichet, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Two grandparents and their 3-year-old grandson were killed after multiple Russian drones destroyed their home in the Brovary district of Kyiv region, northeast of the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, early Saturday.
    ABC News, ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Wildfire smoke has overwhelmed large swathes of the Pacific Northwest, reaching hazardous levels in areas closest to active blazes.
    Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026
  • After leading the Hurricanes to the national championship game — a loss to Fernando Mendoza and Indiana — Beck wasn't overwhelmed by the national stage.
    ABC News, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The attack reduced the house to rubble and wrecked outbuildings and cars.
    ABC News, ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Police and first responders were already on scene, cutting the roof off the wrecked car to rescue the individuals inside, who were put into ambulances.
    Allison Kiehl, Chicago Tribune, 25 July 2026
Verb
  • More than 180 bullets pierced, cracked or shattered windows in six buildings on campus.
    Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The group shattered windows, stole or attempted to steal cash, register drawers and safes.
    Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 7 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Moghnie’s mother-in-law is still there, for instance, her home still standing, despite damaged walls and shattered windows from nearby bombings.
    Ava Bambuck, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
  • At the time, residents had shared reports on neighborhood Facebook groups that included photos of damaged tires and doorbell camera footage.
    Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 6 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Lower Emery Barn — It was built 1915-1916 and demolished in August 2025.
    Carson Bonner, AJC.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The motel closed in the early 1990s, and much of the property was demolished after developers purchased the site in 2000.
    Dana Sauchelli, Travel + Leisure, 6 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Devastated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devastated. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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