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
Charlie Campbell, Time, 16 May 2025
If that happened at Harvard, the consequences elsewhere would be devastating, said Suzanne Ortega, president of the Council of Graduate Schools.
—Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 16 May 2025
For those who are subject to garnishment, Brewington says, the results can be devastating.
—Matt Sedensky, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2025
The impact of this could really be devastating, particularly in rural communities.
—CBS News, 4 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for devastating
Adjective
While intimidation is sadly par for the course for local NGOs in the Philippines, the freezing of the bank accounts was devastating.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 16 May 2025
If that happened at Harvard, the consequences elsewhere would be devastating, said Suzanne Ortega, president of the Council of Graduate Schools.
—Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 16 May 2025
For those who are subject to garnishment, Brewington says, the results can be devastating.
—Matt Sedensky, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2025
The impact of this could really be devastating, particularly in rural communities.
—CBS News, 4 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for devastating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devastating
Adjective
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The second leg against AZ after a disastrous 1-0 defeat in Holland.—
Jack Pitt-Brooke,
New York Times,
9 May 2025
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That quickly became disastrous for both sides as officials had a very public spat with one another using harsh rhetoric in front of a slew of journalists invited to cover what was initially intended to be brief opening remarks.—
Elisabeth Buchwald,
CNN Money,
9 May 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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As such, Congress should include repeal of this unfair and economically destructive tax in the reconciliation bill that it is slated to consider this summer.—
James Carter,
Boston Herald,
9 May 2025
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Rates have jumped in the past five years because of increasingly severe weather and wildfires, which are growing more destructive because of the impact of climate change in the state.—
Noelle Phillips,
Denver Post,
7 May 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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Treatment and prognosis Glioblastoma is among the deadliest cancers, with patients living for an average of just over a year after diagnosis.—
Melissa Rudy,
FOXNews.com,
3 May 2025
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Hurricanes Beryl and Milton were also deadly, each killing more than 40 people in the United States.—
Phaedra Trethan,
USA Today,
3 May 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 21 May. 2025.
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