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
Wesley Bruer, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2025
If those lemmings play along, the precedent will be devastating.
—Dan Perry, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
Guy Lodge, Variety, 21 Aug. 2025
Additionally, deadly waves of violent extremism in places like Nigeria and India are devastating whole communities and going unchecked.
—Miles P. J. Windsor, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for devastating
Adjective
The devastating one-two punch of Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024 caused opportunities for new areas to be hit, primarily along the Florida and Georgia coasts.
—Wesley Bruer, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2025
If those lemmings play along, the precedent will be devastating.
—Dan Perry, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
Kahani’s work is of a piece with that of bigger-name compatriots like Jafar Panahi and Mohammad Rasoulof in its protest against the Iranian government, though his droll-to-devastating approach is very much his own.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 21 Aug. 2025
Additionally, deadly waves of violent extremism in places like Nigeria and India are devastating whole communities and going unchecked.
—Miles P. J. Windsor, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for devastating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devastating
Adjective
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Schools’ failure to follow IEPs has resulted in disastrous cases of educational neglect for students like Makenley and Maddox O’Connor.—
IndyStar,
IndyStar,
8 Sep. 2025
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The New York Jets sent that message to Rodgers following a disastrous two-year term.—
Ian O'Connor,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
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But on an evening back in July, inordinate rainfall led to unrelenting floodwaters ravaging the lower level of Pledger’s home.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
3 Sep. 2025
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Spain is deploying 500 more soldiers to fight wildfires ravaging the country, as southern Europe faces a wave of extreme climate events fueled by heatwaves.—
Tasneem Nashrulla,
semafor.com,
17 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The two initial quakes flattened villages in both provinces, destroying more than 6,700 homes, and rescue workers pulled bodies from the rubble on Thursday.—
Mohammad Yunus Yawar,
USA Today,
5 Sep. 2025
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As Greengrass was editing the picture, wildfires tore through the Pacific Palisades and Altadena in Southern California, killing residents and destroying homes.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The lavender and orange blossom in Libre complement the floral elements in The Ivory perfectly, while adding a bit more projection and longevity without overwhelming the delicate marshmallow base.—
Kimberly Wilson,
Essence,
5 Sep. 2025
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But the key to getting this look just right is to take a thoughtful approach — blend classic elements of the style in a way that resonates with your everyday living, and add some retro flair (without overwhelming yourself or your space).—
Shivani Vyas,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Most people are able to play lotteries for fun without falling into addictive or destructive patterns.—
Charles Trepany,
USA Today,
3 Sep. 2025
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That same destructive logic now drives the hollowing out of the CDC.—
Stan Chu Ilo,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
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As the table fell behind Cenat, shattering into pieces, the streamer looked behind him, cut the music, and asked his friends to fess up.—
Brenton Blanchet,
People.com,
2 Sep. 2025
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August made history on its own, but compared to the record-shattering extremes of 2023 and 2024, this year had fewer heat streaks.—
Hayleigh Evans,
AZCentral.com,
2 Sep. 2025
Verb
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He was reminded that his career had been shaped by overcoming doubts and slights going back to high school, when he was offered the same amount of Division I football scholarships that were offered to the average sportswriter who covers him.—
Ian O'Connor,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
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But by the end, in its rush, the movie still hasn’t quite come up with a point of view on whether McCartney really got over his bust-up with Lennon with a little help from his Wings friends, or whether forming a band was ultimately incidental to overcoming any lingering separation anxiety.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Lewis Hamilton lost control of his Ferrari and crashed out of the Dutch Grand Prix, ruining a chance to nab a good haul of points.—
Nelson Espinal,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Sep. 2025
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Thanks, man, for ruining an almost-letter-perfect red-carpet walk.—
Guy Martin,
Forbes.com,
31 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Devastating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devastating. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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