PULVERIZE Synonyms: 178 Similar and Opposite Words

pulverize

verb

ˈpəl-və-ˌrīz

Definition of pulverize

as in to destroy

to bring to a complete end the physical soundness, existence, or usefulness of buildings pulverized by a killer tornado

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to grind

to reduce to fine particles pulverize the cement into dust for reuse

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 pulverize But the biggest beef to be had is in Sarnoski’s insistence to bludgeon us with pulverizing violence, which grows tiresome and repetitive in the carnage-spewing initial 30 minutes. — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 18 June 2026 Earlier crash test footage shows crash test dummy drivers getting absolutely pulverized on impact. — Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 18 June 2026 No previous American leader could plausibly have presided over the scene of a tattooed Brazilian fighter in a black cowboy hat and Lycra shorts running out of the White House, saluted by honor guards, with the intent of pulverizing another human being. — Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 15 June 2026 And don't pulverize clay into dust—this worsens soil compaction. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 14 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for pulverize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pulverize

Verb

But there have been no exact numbers of how many missiles and drones Iran had when the war began or how many have since been used or destroyed.

— Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
Severe droughts and searing heat across vast swathes of southern Europe destroyed large parts of the olive oil harvest, culminating in a dizzying price rally that shocked industry veterans and consumers alike.

— Sam Meredith, CNBC, 17 July 2026

Definition of destroy

Verb

With more and more families settling in cities in the second half of the 19th century, camps gave kids a refuge from the oppressive heat, rancid smells and grinding noise of summer in the city.

— Seth T. Kannarr, Fortune, 13 July 2026
If Ryan McMahon really did revive their season with that grinding 12-pitch at bat against Yankee-killing Rays ace Drew Rasmussen last Thursday, what can Brian Cashman do to sufficiently fix the roster for a deep postseason run?

— Bill Madden, New York Daily News, 11 July 2026

Definition of grind

Verb

West Harbor is the redevelopment of the former waterfront Ports O'Call Village, which was demolished in 2018.

— Julie Sharp, CBS News, 14 July 2026
The two-acre space was the site of the California State Building, which suffered systemic damage in the 1971 Sylmar earthquake and was demolished five years later.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 13 July 2026

Definition of demolish

Verb

France and England are both coming off crushing losses in the World Cup semifinals.

— Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026
The Oscar nominee stars as Wat Tyler, an ordinary peasant who steps up to lead an extraordinary fight against King Richard II after crushing taxes and political oppression push the country’s working class to a breaking point.

— Sophie Miller, Rolling Stone, 16 July 2026

Definition of crush

Verb

Valiollah Hayati, deputy governor for security and law enforcement of Khuzestan Province, where Ahvaz is located, reported that a strike caused damage to nearby homes and shattered the windows of some housing units, according to IRIB.

— Sophia Saifi, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
Reed struck an officer twice in the forearm with the broomstick, which shattered upon impact with the officer’s arm.

— Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 16 July 2026

Definition of shatter

Verb

In IconArrows pointing outwards RANDOM, BUT INTERESTING Russia’s energy infrastructure continues to get pounded by Ukrainian drones.

— Brian Sullivan, CNBC, 16 July 2026
Vargas pounded a monster second-deck home run in the eighth inning that turned into this game’s only extra-base hit — by either team.

— Jayson Stark, New York Times, 15 July 2026

Definition of pound

Verb

However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.

— Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
But Neill doesn’t lean into the crotchety loner stereotype that could have ruined the entire film, finding a core of relatable decency in this outsider that instead holds the whole effort together with an honest humanity reflected in his choices.

— Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 14 July 2026

Definition of ruin

Browse Nearby Words

pulsing

pulverize

pulverized

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“Pulverize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pulverize. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of pulverize

verb

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