1
as in inferno
a destructive burning
the holocaust caused by the ignited chemicals completely destroyed the factory and several surrounding homes
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in massacre
the killing of a large number of people
as many as 2,000,000 people may have perished in the holocaust perpetrated by Cambodia's Khmer Rouge
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of holocaust
But the graphic visions of nuclear holocaust in those films conjured no more dread than the explosion of the Death Star.
—
Literary Hub, 17 Nov. 2025
In his director’s statement, the filmmaker reveals that the historical drama mines from his own family’s trauma, linking the effects that both the holocaust and the rise in communism in Hungary had on him and his loved ones.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 25 Aug. 2025
In the holocaust of the South Bronx, lighting a match could seem like just hastening the inevitable.
—Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 18 Aug. 2025
Those souls who, through miracles, unlikely coincidences, or pure dumb luck somehow survived the nuclear holocaust and lived to tell their tales.
—Sean Woods, Rolling Stone, 5 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for holocaust
Literary Hub, 17 Nov. 2025
In his director’s statement, the filmmaker reveals that the historical drama mines from his own family’s trauma, linking the effects that both the holocaust and the rise in communism in Hungary had on him and his loved ones.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 25 Aug. 2025
In the holocaust of the South Bronx, lighting a match could seem like just hastening the inevitable.
—Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 18 Aug. 2025
Those souls who, through miracles, unlikely coincidences, or pure dumb luck somehow survived the nuclear holocaust and lived to tell their tales.
—Sean Woods, Rolling Stone, 5 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for holocaust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holocaust
Noun
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But the inferno nevertheless destroyed the homes of his son and daughter, who are 26 and 29.—
David Zahniser,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Jan. 2026
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The Los Angeles Fire Department made the decision to physically move the command post down Pacific Coast Highway and away from the Palisades because the inferno threatened to overtake their location.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Despite his efforts, violence has continued to escalate with police increasing patrols and surveillance in Puerto Lopez following recent massacres in the province, the Associated Press said.—
Emma Bussey,
FOXNews.com,
12 Jan. 2026
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While refusing to fight for the Confederacy and trying to reach safety in Mexico, the group was ambushed by Confederate soldiers on horseback in the 1862 Battle of the Nueces, also called the Nueces massacre.—
Alexis Simmerman,
Austin American Statesman,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Republicans have also launched a congressional investigation into the fire response.—
Brie Stimson,
FOXNews.com,
8 Jan. 2026
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Local fire and government authorities are notified prior to burn days and kept informed throughout prescribed fire operations.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Raw and vulnerable, Coon reveals that Agnes has been starving for penance, ready to offer herself up for slaughter.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
9 Jan. 2026
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The Kohbergers’ pride in Bryan was shattered by the revelation that he was suspected of and later admitted to the slaughter.—
Theresa Braine,
Mercury News,
6 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Holocaust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holocaust. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.
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