as in destruction
the state or fact of being rendered nonexistent, physically unsound, or useless
the state's population of moose has been replenished, having once been hunted almost to extinction
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of extinction
Three species of Arctic seals now face extinction due to global warming, while half the planet’s birds are in decline due to habitat loss.
—
Nell Lewis, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2025
Humpback whales were once hunted nearly to extinction, but a moratorium on commercial whaling in 1985 allowed the species to make a comeback, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2025
Snow leopards have low genetic diversity, increasingly their risk of extinction in a changing environment, according to a paper published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on Tuesday.
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 8 Oct. 2025
Almost all of the largest plant and animal species on Earth were driven to extinction, including all of the non-avian dinosaurs and the last of the flying reptiles.
—Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for extinction
Nell Lewis, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2025
Humpback whales were once hunted nearly to extinction, but a moratorium on commercial whaling in 1985 allowed the species to make a comeback, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2025
Snow leopards have low genetic diversity, increasingly their risk of extinction in a changing environment, according to a paper published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on Tuesday.
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 8 Oct. 2025
Almost all of the largest plant and animal species on Earth were driven to extinction, including all of the non-avian dinosaurs and the last of the flying reptiles.
—Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for extinction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extinction
Noun
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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
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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
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The fighting has also contributed to environmental devastation.—
Simmone Shah,
Time,
15 Oct. 2025
Noun
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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
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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
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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
-
The demolition has rekindled a mission to rebuild the facility and preserve its culture and history.—
Kyle Martin,
Mercury News,
13 Oct. 2025
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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
Noun
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Besides extermination, these companies also may be able to assist with locating and sealing entry points or making other recommendations for exclusion.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
1 Oct. 2025
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An extermination of the brutes in the Middle East, presided over by Obama’s successors, has been followed by a swift cancellation by Trumpian decree of the postracial age.—
Pankaj Mishra,
Harpers Magazine,
19 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Extinction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extinction. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.
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