as in disastrous
causing or tending to cause destruction
a devastating blow to our morale
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in ravaging
to bring destruction to (something) through violent action
the city was devastated, first by the earthquake and then by fires
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in destroying
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 overwhelming
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 devastating
Emily Blackwood, People.com, 5 Aug. 2025
Immigration data includes passports, visas, SSNs; a breach would be devastating.
—Haokun Qin, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
In 2021, dozens died in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district after part of a Himalayan glacier fell into a river, sending a devastating avalanche of water, dust and rocks down a mountain gorge, and crashing though a dam.
—Taylor Ward, CNN Money, 5 Aug. 2025
Survivors hope that testimonies like Atomic People, on the devastating effects of the bomb, will prevent history from repeating itself.
—Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 4 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for devastating
Adjective
According to Peacock’s announcement, the adaptation starts not with a game-winning score but with a devastating storm.
—Emily Blackwood, People.com, 5 Aug. 2025
Immigration data includes passports, visas, SSNs; a breach would be devastating.
—Haokun Qin, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
In 2021, dozens died in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district after part of a Himalayan glacier fell into a river, sending a devastating avalanche of water, dust and rocks down a mountain gorge, and crashing though a dam.
—Taylor Ward, CNN Money, 5 Aug. 2025
Survivors hope that testimonies like Atomic People, on the devastating effects of the bomb, will prevent history from repeating itself.
—Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 4 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for devastating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devastating
Adjective
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Spiers: Manchester City had a disastrous 2024-25 season and still only finished 13 points behind Liverpool.—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
11 Aug. 2025
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As for other imports, Doval allowed three runs and took the loss in his debut to start the disastrous weekend.—
Larry Fleisher,
Forbes.com,
10 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Online records show that Lamb was charged with homicide, kidnap-false imprisonment, evidence-destroying and procure for prostitute.—
Adam Sabes,
FOXNews.com,
10 Apr. 2025
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But if enacted, some of the ideas proposed also risk destroying a nascent private sector and worsening the country’s ongoing humanitarian crisis.—
Nora Gámez Torres,
Miami Herald,
10 Apr. 2025
Verb
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That’s overwhelming even for the most experienced investor.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Mercury News,
31 Mar. 2025
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An adventurous mix of fabrics brings warmth to the primary suite, without overwhelming the space.—
Kristen Flanagan,
Architectural Digest,
31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The storms brought destructive heavy rainfall and flash floods to the nation’s Sao Vicente island.—
Zachary Folk,
Forbes.com,
13 Aug. 2025
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Wisconsin's miserable summer weather is also affecting our mental health, experts say Few things are as destructive as a flood.—
Natalie Eilbert,
jsonline.com,
12 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Since March 14, severe weather has left a trail of destruction, toppling trees, demolishing homes, and igniting wildfires, the Associated Press reported.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
21 Mar. 2025
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Education advocates and Democrats have condemned the move, and actually demolishing the agency would require an act of Congress.—
The Hill Staff,
The Hill,
20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Police chases in Milwaukee have become increasingly deadly Police pursuits are so frequent, Milwaukee officers engage in between two and three every day, according to a city report in 2024.—
JR Radcliffe,
jsonline.com,
9 Aug. 2025
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Malaria, the most deadly parasite infection in the world, is most commonly caused by the protozoa parasite Plasmodium falciparum.4 Ectoparasites: These parasites usually live on (not in) their host.—
Jenna Anderson,
Health,
8 Aug. 2025
Verb
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This prequel flashes back to a previous Christmas in Los Angeles, when their unintentional destruction of a Santa Claus parade balloon put the city on edge, wrecking the gang's plans for a massive Yuletide bank robbery.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
20 Dec. 2024
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The vocalist’s sole concerns related to the natural environment, the animal kingdom and humankind’s responsibility for wrecking our only home.—
Bob Gendron,
Chicago Tribune,
12 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Devastating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devastating. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
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