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

The extinction of the middle-class chain restaurant, from Friendly’s to Red Lobster, appeared all but inevitable. — Hannah Goldfield, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026

For the past year, University of Washington researchers have worked closely with the Samish Indian Nation to bring this 24-armed creature back from the brink of extinction after a vast underwater pandemic nearly wiped it out. — John Ryan, NPR, 16 Aug. 2026

While an entire neighborhood (or more) is threatened with extinction-by-dinosaur, the fate of Starbuck (real-life dogs Buzz and Brisket share the role), featured prominently in the movie’s trailer, seems to have stirred up the most internet agita. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 15 Aug. 2026

Perhaps the species has a core memory of how humanity almost hunted them to extinction. — Carl R. Gold, Baltimore Sun, 14 Aug. 2026