1
as in fatal
bringing about ruin or misfortune
a split-second, disastrous decision that I would forever regret
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in devastating
causing or tending to cause destruction
a disastrous fire from which the town never fully recovered
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 disastrous
Both the president and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent have described that potential scenario as disastrous for the federal government.
—
Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 21 Oct. 2025
While the Eagles won 28-22, the Vikings didn't go quietly despite Carson Wentz's disastrous start to the game.
—Chris Bumbaca, USA Today, 20 Oct. 2025
Rummel said the crisis at the special education division is a prime example of the disastrous consequences shutting down the Department of Education would have on students and schools across the country.
—Molly Gibbs, Mercury News, 20 Oct. 2025
Gase was fired after a disastrous 2020 season.
—Zack Rosenblatt, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for disastrous
Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 21 Oct. 2025
While the Eagles won 28-22, the Vikings didn't go quietly despite Carson Wentz's disastrous start to the game.
—Chris Bumbaca, USA Today, 20 Oct. 2025
Rummel said the crisis at the special education division is a prime example of the disastrous consequences shutting down the Department of Education would have on students and schools across the country.
—Molly Gibbs, Mercury News, 20 Oct. 2025
Gase was fired after a disastrous 2020 season.
—Zack Rosenblatt, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for disastrous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disastrous
Adjective
-
Such a slow start proved fatal to Yeovil, who went on to finish bottom of the table after being made to wait until October 26 for their first Huish Park victory at the seventh attempt.—
Richard Sutcliffe,
New York Times,
23 Oct. 2025
-
Shortly after being taken away by paramedics, the father of Owens' four children was informed over the phone that her injury proved fatal.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The loss was unexpected and devastating.—
Autumn Barnes,
NPR,
27 Oct. 2025
-
Kamala Harris teases 2028 presidential run, devastating Dems’ chances!—
The Hill,
The Hill,
27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
This is unfortunate, because part of what makes Moose Jaw historically significant is that the opposite of what is claimed at the Tunnels is true.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
20 Oct. 2025
-
This current injury sounds like something that is a result of something unfortunate away from the game, which is why everyone is being so cryptic.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Aerial drones have dominated attention for the sheer numbers deployed and their destructive power.—
Anastasiia Malenko,
USA Today,
22 Oct. 2025
-
If your dog is anxious or destructive, avoid leaving them alone at all, and consider hiring local dog-sitting services if needed.—
Maria Azzurra Volpe,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Even environmentalists like Al Gore who once fretted about catastrophic accidents and radioactive waste are warming to the technology.—
Brad Plumer,
New York Times,
22 Oct. 2025
-
That much rain over mountainous terrain in the area could trigger catastrophic flash flooding and landslides.—
Briana Waxman,
CNN Money,
22 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Disastrous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disastrous. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share