as in devastations
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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 extinctions
While extinctions are always multi-faceted, the extermination of some species can be almost directly linked to the insatiable appetites of modern humans.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
The fossil record suggests these massive creatures disappeared during the sweeping extinctions that marked the end of the Pleistocene.
—Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Mar. 2026
In a study of 926 species across climatic zones, 47% are undergoing local extinctions, just like the lizards.
—Sarah Henry, AZCentral.com, 22 Nov. 2025
These extinctions were driven mostly by European agriculture and the introduction of non-native species that outcompeted Australian animals.
—Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 27 Oct. 2025
But over exploitation often followed, leading to depletions and extinctions.
—Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2025
The 2025 list of extinctions includes a bird, a shrew and a species of snail, among others.
—Doyle Rice, USA Today, 18 Oct. 2025
Shocking research has warned that humans are driving extinctions at a scale not seen since the mass extinction of the dinosaurs some 66 million years ago.
—Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
For example, in Ecuador’s Galápagos Islands, invasive species like rats and feral cats are considered one of the main causes of extinctions, including to the islands’ famous birds.
—Jessica Beaudette, The Conversation, 11 Oct. 2025
Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
The fossil record suggests these massive creatures disappeared during the sweeping extinctions that marked the end of the Pleistocene.
—Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Mar. 2026
In a study of 926 species across climatic zones, 47% are undergoing local extinctions, just like the lizards.
—Sarah Henry, AZCentral.com, 22 Nov. 2025
These extinctions were driven mostly by European agriculture and the introduction of non-native species that outcompeted Australian animals.
—Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 27 Oct. 2025
But over exploitation often followed, leading to depletions and extinctions.
—Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2025
The 2025 list of extinctions includes a bird, a shrew and a species of snail, among others.
—Doyle Rice, USA Today, 18 Oct. 2025
Shocking research has warned that humans are driving extinctions at a scale not seen since the mass extinction of the dinosaurs some 66 million years ago.
—Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
For example, in Ecuador’s Galápagos Islands, invasive species like rats and feral cats are considered one of the main causes of extinctions, including to the islands’ famous birds.
—Jessica Beaudette, The Conversation, 11 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extinctions
Noun
-
The Good Jobs First report recommends that all states fully report their losses from data center tax breaks, including how those incentives affect local revenue streams.—
Kevin Hardy,
Baltimore Sun,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Despite dynamite starts from Taj Bradley and Bailey Ober on Saturday and Sunday, the Twins’ relievers blew saves on consecutive days, leading to backbreaking losses.—
Dan Hayes,
New York Times,
20 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The company conducting the implosion has previously handled several high-profile demolitions, including the historic Deauville Hotel, South Shore Hospital, and the remaining structure of the Surfside condominium building.—
Nikiya Carrero,
CBS News,
9 Apr. 2026
-
One of Miami’s most luxurious hotels, the 23-story Mandarin Oriental on Brickell Key, will be brought down on Sunday in under half a minute in one of the largest Miami demolitions in years.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
9 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Extinctions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extinctions. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
