as in destruction
the state or fact of being rendered nonexistent, physically unsound, or useless
the sheer devastation of the housing development by the forest fire
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 devastation
Behind Sarnow and Common Council members, employees used equipment to lift a wrecked SUV with its left front side smashed in, a somber reminder of the devastation caused by reckless driving.
—
Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 15 Oct. 2025
The fighting has also contributed to environmental devastation.
—Simmone Shah, Time, 15 Oct. 2025
The next chapter must belong to those who have endured the devastation.
—Mohammed R. Mhawish, New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2025
Meanwhile, the hostage families – caught between diplomacy and devastation – are left to wait.
—Kara Fox, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2025
Take a look at the worst of the devastation.
—Lorenzino Estrada, AZCentral.com, 14 Oct. 2025
Room for Disagreement The UAE’s relationship with Israel has become strained in recent years over the devastation in Gaza and threats from some Israeli politicians to annex the West Bank — a move that would effectively end hopes for a Palestinian state.
—Yossi Shelley, semafor.com, 13 Oct. 2025
After two years of images of war and devastation, the pictures coming from Israel were of joy, as families were reunited with the remaining 20 hostages.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2025
Palestinians returning to northern Gaza have described widespread devastation.
—Steven Scheer, USA Today, 12 Oct. 2025
Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 15 Oct. 2025
The fighting has also contributed to environmental devastation.
—Simmone Shah, Time, 15 Oct. 2025
The next chapter must belong to those who have endured the devastation.
—Mohammed R. Mhawish, New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2025
Meanwhile, the hostage families – caught between diplomacy and devastation – are left to wait.
—Kara Fox, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2025
Take a look at the worst of the devastation.
—Lorenzino Estrada, AZCentral.com, 14 Oct. 2025
Room for Disagreement The UAE’s relationship with Israel has become strained in recent years over the devastation in Gaza and threats from some Israeli politicians to annex the West Bank — a move that would effectively end hopes for a Palestinian state.
—Yossi Shelley, semafor.com, 13 Oct. 2025
After two years of images of war and devastation, the pictures coming from Israel were of joy, as families were reunited with the remaining 20 hostages.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2025
Palestinians returning to northern Gaza have described widespread devastation.
—Steven Scheer, USA Today, 12 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devastation
Noun
-
Aghion and Howitt studied the mechanisms behind sustained growth, including in a 1992 article that offered a complex mathematical model for creative destruction that added new aspects not included in earlier models.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
13 Oct. 2025
-
Still, through the summer of 2020, stories of statue destruction emerged from all corners of the country.—
Peter D'Abrosca,
FOXNews.com,
13 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Almost serpentine in her shimmering elegance, Thompson’s Hedda glides from room to room wreaking social havoc with her guests, an old lover, and even her husband that will, ultimately, have tragic consequences for all.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Oct. 2025
-
In contrast, effective interplay between James McClean, Doyle and O’Brien down the left was minimal, allowing QPR to dominate that flank, particularly during a first half when Harvey Vale and Rumarn Burrell caused havoc.—
Richard Sutcliffe,
New York Times,
9 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Kennedy sought the advice of doctors after dealing with severe memory loss and brain fog, reportedly leading to a scan of his brain that showed a dark spot in the imagery.—
Angel Saunders,
PEOPLE,
15 Oct. 2025
-
Following Sunday's loss, first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer defended Eberflus, saying the product on the field is a team effort.—
Jordan Sigler,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Green turtles, once on the brink, bounce back Green turtles, once on the brink of extinction, have bounced back, a new report found.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
14 Oct. 2025
-
Will our unpredictable youth save the Len Goodman Mirror Ball Trophy from extinction?—
Lynette Rice,
Deadline,
14 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The demolition has rekindled a mission to rebuild the facility and preserve its culture and history.—
Kyle Martin,
Mercury News,
13 Oct. 2025
-
After discussions in which Cook was involved, the city agreed to pay for the demolition, which was estimated to cost up to $5 million.—
IndyStar,
IndyStar,
13 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Devastation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devastation. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share