obliteration

noun

Definition of obliterationnext
as in destruction
the state or fact of being rendered nonexistent, physically unsound, or useless the ill-advised obliteration of the town's historic district in order to make way for a shopping center

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 obliteration There was Kyle Harrison’s revenge game and Logan Webb’s first true gem of the season; the 19-run outburst and the seven-homer barrage; the walk-off losses and the 14-run obliteration; the introduction of third base coach Gary Pettis and the shocking promotion of outfielder Jonah Cox. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 8 June 2026 This was an obliteration, of a player one year his senior. — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 3 June 2026 Yet despite the obliteration of scores of military targets, the regime in Tehran has proved resilient and able to strike its Gulf neighbors. — Jonathan Lemire, The Atlantic, 9 Apr. 2026 Visitors are stunned seeing the rampant, deliberate obliteration of the character of Hillcrest. — U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026 The Butlerian Jihad ultimately resulted in the obliteration of all thinking machines, as well as a wholesale ban on any new robotic creations. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 19 Mar. 2026 War Secretary Pete Hegseth said Friday that with the near-complete obliteration of the Iranian military, the next phase of the war is to destroy Iran’s arms manufacturing supply chain. — Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 14 Mar. 2026 The dangerous joy, the glee and courage, the humor in the face of fate, the wild ramble of a life driven towards the artistic heavens and the daily balm of self obliteration. — Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 12 Mar. 2026 This is well-observed, though the obliteration of the frothiest market themes from their early 2021 peak was far more damaging than anything seen so far this month. — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 25 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obliteration
  1. destruction
  2. devastation
  3. havoc
  4. extinction
  5. loss
  6. demolition
Noun
  • Since October 2023, the number and severity of settler attacks have skyrocketed, including arson and other destruction of property, the killing of livestock, violent assaults and murder, taking place almost every day.
    — Kamel Musallet, Sun Sentinel, 7 Aug. 2026
  • While the film has long been remembered for ambition, excess, and destruction, Tyga saw another narrative waiting beneath the chaos—a love story.
    — Desjah Altvater, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of destruction
Noun
  • Scientists expect more wildfire devastation as people move closer to danger and climate change ups wildfire risk.
    — Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026
  • However, the article emphasizes socialism's historical failures, citing the collapse of the Soviet Union and Venezuela's severe economic devastation under socialist policies.
    — Mike Patton, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of devastation
Noun
  • The tropical storm hit Japan days after Typhoon Dolphin created havoc in parts of southern Japan, paralyzing traffic and sending hundreds to take shelter.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • At the center of the effort was sixth-year linebacker Nick Bolton, the quarterback of the unit, who focused on galvanizing the troops to create havoc and slow down an offense that had been humming earlier in the frame.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of havoc
Noun
  • This system plays a role in modulating stress responsivity, fear extinction, emotional memory consolidation, and sleep–wake regulation.
    — Dario Sabaghi, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • But this is more important, in respect to the extinction crisis and the role the reptile trade plays in the global wildlife and exotic animal trade.
    — Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of extinction
Noun
  • Even with Saturday’s loss, the Red Sox (64-52) have won 11 of their past 13.
    — Curt Anderson, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
  • The loss dropped Orlando to 2-5 since returning to action from the league’s summer break.
    — Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of loss
Noun
  • The White House announced the construction of the 90,000-square foot ballroom last July, and demolition began suddenly on the East Wing in late October when workers were spotted tearing down that wing of the White House.
    — Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Last week, the UN human rights chief Volker Türk called on Israel to end its occupation and halt the demolition of homes.
    — Ava Bambuck, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of demolition

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Cite this Entry

“Obliteration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obliteration. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on obliteration

Nglish: Translation of obliteration for Spanish Speakers

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