Synonyms of devastation

devastation

noun

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

• destruction
• havoc
• loss
• extinction
• demolition
• extermination
• annihilation
• obliteration
• decimation
• wreckage
• desolation
• ruin
• wastage
• ruination
• collapse
• demolishment
• disintegration
• mincemeat
• depredation
• massacre
• slaughter
• breakup
• despoliation
• despoilment
• dissolution
• execution
• killing
• assassination
• eradication
• dismantlement
• effacement

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• construction
• building
• erection
• salvation
• saving
• rescue
• raising
• protection
• salvage
• conservation
• preservation
• restoration
• reconstruction
• reclamation
• renovation
• remodeling
• re-creation
• refurbishment
• regeneracy

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of devastation

The devastation wreaked on the Republican Party last week was simply astounding, with their candidates losing in just about every place and every spot up and down ballot. — Bradley Gitz, Arkansas Online, 9 Nov. 2026

And as Japan rebuilds from both wartime devastation and from Godzilla’s rampage through various cities, including Tokyo, a new threat arrives from outer space—and this one can fly. — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 6 Nov. 2026

For Brown, the devastation from this category 5 storm was deeply personal. — Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 6 Nov. 2026

This book not only taught me about the devastation and rebuilding of Galveston, but also the impact the Jewish population had on it. — Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 2 Nov. 2026

After the war, any proof of God’s existence had to be found in his absence, in the material and spiritual devastation people were living with. — Kristian Vistrup Madsen, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2026

The sequel picks up in 1949, two years after the events of Minus One, as Japan struggles to rebuild from the devastation of war and Godzilla’s attack. — Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 1 Nov. 2026

Inside, stunningly vivid portraits of people from Virginia Woolf and Claude Debussy to James Baldwin—all of whom offered delight in their work despite their own experiences with devastation—are placed next to passages from Kalman’s own memories. — Air Mail, 31 Oct. 2026

With apocalyptic floods, wildfires and other events becoming more common, that force is growing and transforming devastation and heartache into action. — Chas Newkey-Burden, TheWeek, 28 Oct. 2026