Synonyms of extinction

extinction

noun

ik-ˈstiŋ(k)-shən 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of extinction

It's well established in ecological theory that isolated populations are most likely to experience a crash leading to localized extinction, largely due to a lack of genetic drift that keeps the gene pool diverse. — New Atlas, 21 July 2026

Once hunted to near extinction in New England, American oystercatchers are rebounding, with populations up 45% along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts amid broader shorebird declines. — Michael Casey, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026

The shaggy bovines of the plains and boreal forests were nearly hunted to extinction in a frenzy of killing that decimated their population. — Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 20 July 2026

Disney's new live-action Moana recently premiered, but another significant milestone happened earlier this year with the release of Moana 2 in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, Hawaii's indigenous language that was once on the brink of extinction. — Regina Kim, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026