disintegrate

verb

(ˌ)dis-ˈin-tə-ˌgrāt How to pronounce disintegrate (audio)
Definition of disintegratenext
1
as in to decompose
to go through decomposition fallen leaves slowly disintegrate over the course of the winter

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to grind
to reduce to fine particles modern air pollution is gradually disintegrating the ancient temple's irreplaceable friezes

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to disrupt
to cause to separate into pieces usually suddenly or forcibly a tornado disintegrated the building in a matter of seconds

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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 disintegrate The white outer layer started to disintegrate before the audience’s eyes, eventually washing away to reveal a fire-red corseted bodysuit and miniskirt underneath—a pleasingly literal interpretation of the tour’s title. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 26 Sep. 2026 After 14 years of exploration, the Galileo spacecraft intentionally fell into Jupiter and disintegrated in the planet's dense atmosphere. — Tariq Malik, Space.com, 21 Sep. 2026 But slack defending allowed Chelsea’s individual quality to shine and as the match wore on, United’s confidence disintegrated. — Cerys Jones, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026 In an instant, my protective shield disintegrated, leaving me raw and exposed. — Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disintegrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disintegrate
  1. decompose
  2. grind
  3. disrupt
  4. decay
  5. crush
  6. break
  7. rot
  8. pound
Verb
  • The first responding officer opened one of the suitcases and discovered a woman's decomposing body -- naked, bound with rope and in a fetal position.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Remnants of a wooden spear weren’t found near the Neanderthal’s remains, which is understandable since the material often decomposes so quickly.
    — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of decompose
Verb
  • The Gators have ground to make up, and Georgia is on the horizon.
    — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026
  • The stock still looks cheap, trading at a mid-teens multiple on forward earnings estimates, which should help shares grind higher.
    — Alexa LoMonaco,Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of grind
Verb
  • The integration could help American troops operate uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) when adversaries attempt to disrupt battlefield communications.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026
  • At the same time, a traffic signal at Hazel Avenue and Folsom Boulevard was flashing in all directions, disrupting train signals at three additional intersections, Selenis said.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of disrupt
Verb
  • At what point, for instance, does decaying plant tissue break down enough to become nutritious compost?
    — Joanna Thompson, Scientific American, 17 Oct. 2026
  • The family could have cleared out a decaying bungalow and built something simpler in its place.
    — Nuriyah Johar, Architectural Digest, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of decay
Verb
  • Dodgers three-peat dream dies Milwaukee completed a four-game sweep of the Dodgers with a crushing 6-4 win Thursday at Dodger Stadium.
    — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Oregano, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper add a deeper savory element to the cream cheese base.
    — Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of crush
Verb
  • At a time when the fourth wall between fan and wrestler had long collapsed, Satterley rarely broke character.
    — Rudy Chinchilla, NBC news, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Catch up on breaking news, exclusive interviews, political analysis, original reporting, and standout moments — all in one place, every week.
    — Washington Examiner, The Washington Examiner, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of break
Verb
  • In recent years, many grape growers have left fruit to rot on vines, and many winemakers have product sitting in tanks.
    — Lizzie Kane, Sacbee.com, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The bacteria comes from a variety of sources, including soil, water, sewage, rotting vegetation and animals, according to the FDA.
    — Eva Flowe October 15, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of rot
Verb
  • Extreme tropical weather led to two deaths in Mexico and caused widespread damage over the weekend as Hurricane Simon pounded the country's Pacific coast, authorities said Monday.
    — JAIMIE DING, Arkansas Online, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Rain pounded Las Vegas, which broke a daily rainfall record Sunday.
    — Adrian Florido, NPR, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of pound

Browse Nearby Words

disinhibition
disintegrate
disintegrated
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Cite this Entry

“Disintegrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disintegrate. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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