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 Since far more people have yet to be born than currently exist, the longtermist argument is that preventing human extinction would do more good than almost any other cause. — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 23 Sep. 2026 This is what extinction threatens, piece by piece, thread by thread, species by species. — Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2026 Home of a fur seal trade leading to an almost extinction of seals, a whaling station, and then many volcanic eruptions leading to the destruction of scientific stations, this island looks like it is cursed. — New Atlas, 21 Sep. 2026 Others see the magnification of extinction worries as a purposeful distraction from immediate, real-world AI harms. — Jared Perlo, NBC news, 19 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for extinction

Recent Examples of Synonyms for extinction

Noun

Counsel argued that seizing the ballots was necessary to preserve potential evidence before statutory destruction deadlines and to compare the total number of ballots with official vote records.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
The investigation into Israel’s mass killing of civilians in Gaza was shot at night on rooftops in Tel Aviv where the filmmakers interviewed Israeli military intelligence officers and soldiers about destruction and loss of life.

— Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of destruction

Noun

How to Help Nepal’s Flood Victims Despite the devastation, there has been a beacon of hope.

— Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 24 Sep. 2026
But Cuban leaders have dug in, resisting political concessions and launching limited economic reforms to cope with the country’s economic devastation.

— Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of devastation

Noun

In Miami Hurricanes defensive coordinator Corey Heteherman’s system, everything starts with creating havoc up front.

— Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 20 Sep. 2026
The secondary is experienced and has shown a knack for causing havoc against opposing quarterbacks.

— Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of havoc

Noun

Defensive end Tony Carter stuffed a rushing attempt by backup quarterback Skyler Williams for a 1-yard loss, setting the Red Wolves up with their best starting field position to that point.

— Michael Harley, Arkansas Online, 27 Sep. 2026
Hormonal conditions Many women may notice hair loss with changes in hormones such as during pregnancy, menopause or even after starting or stopping birth control pills.

— Lindsey Bever, Washington Post, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of loss

Noun

In other business, Planning and Development Director Tom Cherry persuaded the RDC to postpone seeking bids for demolition of the former Garyton School, a costly endeavor.

— Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 25 Sep. 2026
The school permanently closed in June and is scheduled for demolition.

— Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of demolition

Noun

Hitler and his Nazis committed the most heinous crimes against humanity, including the extermination of six million Jews, and more than three million non-Jews, because of the Aryan supremacy ideology.

— Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Sep. 2026
The trailer opens with confirmation that Godzilla was not fully destroyed and offers a first look at a new kaiju extermination operation, alongside a mix of new and returning characters.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 8 Sep. 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 28 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of extinction

noun

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