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

Before the court turns to the question of punishment, families used the first day of sentencing to make clear the devastation left behind. — Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 27 July 2026

Still, amid that devastation came a powerful reminder of why Prisco’s has survived for so many decades. — Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2026

In Mexico Beach, where the worst of the devastation occurred, nearly 94 percent of the structures within the city limits suffered some amount of damage, with about half being destroyed. — Laura Payne, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 July 2026

Emergency responders rushed to the scene and found devastation. — Dateline Nbc, NBC news, 22 July 2026

The online public sphere was inundated with drone footage, satellite imagery, news coverage, and NASA maps laying bare the scale of the devastation. — Rafael Osío Cabrices, Time, 20 July 2026

Framing the danger this way would inform and motivate reforms that strengthen our pandemic defenses and reduce the devastation pandemics inflict. — David Blumenthal, STAT, 20 July 2026

Burnham has criticized Starmer's approach to Israel's war with Hamas and the devastation of Gaza. — ABC News, 19 July 2026

Their stories recount the devastation to homes and businesses, life in temporary shelters, and the difficult process of rebuilding or relocating. — Michelle Oliva-Espinosa, Kansas City Star, 18 July 2026