EXTINCTION Synonyms: 50 Similar and Opposite Words

extinction

noun

ik-ˈstiŋ(k)-shən

Definition of extinction

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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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 extinction Once fished to the brink of extinction globally, sand tiger sharks, that iconic aquarium shark with a jaw of protruding, jagged teeth that only a mother could love, have been increasing in the Boston Harbor over the last decade. — Asia London Palomba, Christian Science Monitor, 20 Oct. 2026 But if politics is pushing this industry’s extinction, then here is what some might suggest must be done. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 18 Oct. 2026 The Afia Birago’s puddle frog’s population has been on the brink of extinction from the start. — Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 15 Oct. 2026 Animals that are also on the company’s de-extinction to-do list include the woolly mammoth, the Tasmanian tiger, the ostrich-like moa, and the antelope-like quagga. — Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for extinction

Recent Examples of Synonyms for extinction

Noun

Today on the show, Planet Money goes inside the destruction lab to see that high octane experimentation in action and to learn about how the insurance industry has been quietly shaping the world around us for over a century.

— Alexi Horowitz-Ghazi, NPR, 6 Nov. 2026
The use of new production technologies also requires a degree of creative destruction that Beijing’s own industrial policy interventions have inhibited.

— Oliver Melton, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of destruction

Noun

After the war, any proof of God’s existence had to be found in his absence, in the material and spiritual devastation people were living with.

— Kristian Vistrup Madsen, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2026
The sequel picks up in 1949, two years after the events of Minus One, as Japan struggles to rebuild from the devastation of war and Godzilla’s attack.

— Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of devastation

Noun

Fifth-year cornerback Jaden Mickey made some big stops, including a pass breakup, while the defensive front produced four sacks for 37 yards and seven tackles for loss.

— Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 25 Oct. 2026
After scoring just four points on six field-goal attempts in Friday’s loss to the Detroit Pistons, Adebayo was much more aggressive in looking for his own offense on Saturday.

— Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of loss

Noun

Pan Am’s Miami headquarters first opened in 1964, sat empty for 15 years, and was slated for demolition before PS restored it.

— Lauren Harano, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
According to The Real Deal, demolition permits have been sought for the sites, and the city has approved the removal of several structures, including homes and guesthouses.

— Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of demolition

Noun

The extermination company Terminix ranked 50 cities in the United States with the worst rodent infestations and Sacramento is on the list.

— Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado Updated October 21, Sacbee.com, 21 Oct. 2026
For properties other than single-family homes and duplexes, the statute addresses reasonable provisions for clean and safe common areas along with services such as garbage removal and extermination of certain pests.

— Emma Clapp, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of extermination

Browse Nearby Words

extinct

extinction

extinctions

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“Extinction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extinction. Accessed 7 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of extinction

noun

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