nuke

Definition of nukenext
as in to destroy
to bring to a complete end the physical soundness, existence, or usefulness of a pretty sizable piece of real estate would be nuked if an asteroid struck

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 nuke However, nuking the asteroid could potentially create problems. Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 6 Oct. 2025 In 2020, Republicans just nuked big chunks of their calendar and proclaimed their incumbent nearly by acclamation. Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 26 Aug. 2025 Republicans in other red states like Missouri, Florida, Ohio and Indiana are also considering similar efforts to nuke Democratic seats before 2026. Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 5 Aug. 2025 The only real solution is to nuke the whole thing and start over from scratch. Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for nuke
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nuke
Verb
  • But the Red Sox destroyed and ended their relationship with their only true power hitter and proven winner for a player who, though an undeniably excellent addition, was here for 117 total games.
    Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 12 Jan. 2026
  • In the Pacific Palisades and nearby Malibu, flames burned for 31 days, scorching 37 square miles and destroying more than 6,000 structures, most of them homes.
    Sarah Alegre, FOXNews.com, 12 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • It is designed to mirror the East Wing addition after the previous building was demolished last year.
    Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 9 Jan. 2026
  • In order to do so, the city has to acquire the land and purchase the properties — valued at $22 million total — and demolish them, causing several businesses to close or relocate to make way for the project.
    Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • And, from this week’s issue, Nicola Twilley’s reporting on another lingering effect of the wildfires—smoke taint that is ruining grapes and threatening California’s wine industry.
    Dana Goodyear, New Yorker, 7 Jan. 2026
  • This will either change your life or ruin you.
    Outside Online, Outside Online, 7 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Even though she was utterly devastated, a small part of her saw it as a kind of gift.
    Allison DeGrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Jan. 2026
  • When the oily messenger arrives at the hotel, Lucy is confused and devastated.
    Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 14 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • There is a child whose happy world is shattered when his friends from Oz cannot make the leap into what people around him consider to be reality.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 14 Jan. 2026
  • John Raoux / Associated Press The Jacksonville Jaguars lost a close wild-card playoff game at home Sunday to the Buffalo Bills, shattering their Super Bowl dreams.
    Denny Alfonso, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Givaudan initiated the process to receive a wrecking permit in August and has been working over the past few months to get the proper approval from various agencies, including Louisville MSD and the Louisville Metro Air Pollution Control District.
    Killian Baarlaer, Louisville Courier Journal, 14 Jan. 2026
  • The internet has the ability to create assassins and sway elections and destroy families, to waste our time and wreck our life.
    Gideon Leek, The Atlantic, 13 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Agents told investigators that one of their colleagues opened fire Thursday after the driver put the truck in reverse and repeatedly slammed into an unoccupied car the agents had rented, smashing its headlights and knocking off its front bumper.
    CBS News, CBS News, 13 Jan. 2026
  • In witness footage shared by the police, the paraglider is seen falling from the sky with a faulty parachute and spiraling quickly towards the waters below, before smashing into the ocean in front of horrified beachgoers.
    Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 13 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Nuke.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nuke. Accessed 18 Jan. 2026.

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