ravage 1 of 2

Definition of ravagenext

ravage

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb ravage contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of ravage are despoil, devastate, pillage, sack, and waste. While all these words mean "to lay waste by plundering or destroying," ravage implies violent often cumulative depredation and destruction.

a hurricane ravaged the coast

When would despoil be a good substitute for ravage?

In some situations, the words despoil and ravage are roughly equivalent. However, despoil applies to looting or robbing without suggesting accompanying destruction.

the Nazis despoiled the art museums

When is it sensible to use devastate instead of ravage?

While the synonyms devastate and ravage are close in meaning, devastate implies the complete ruin and desolation of a wide area.

an earthquake devastated the city

How are the words pillage and sack related as synonyms of ravage?

Pillage implies ruthless plundering at will but without the completeness suggested by sack.

settlements pillaged by Vikings

Where would sack be a reasonable alternative to ravage?

The meanings of sack and ravage largely overlap; however, sack implies carrying off all valuable possessions from a place.

barbarians sacked ancient Rome

In what contexts can waste take the place of ravage?

While in some cases nearly identical to ravage, waste may imply producing the same result by a slow process rather than sudden and violent action.

years of drought had wasted the area

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 ravage
Verb
But with injuries having ravaged the roster nearly all season, the Mets might want to give him a shot with a full roster. Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 19 June 2026 In recent months, Ukraine has time and again attacked Russian energy infrastructure in a bid to both dent the Kremlin's war chest and bring the reality of a war that has ravaged Ukraine home to Russians as well. Charles Maynes, NPR, 18 June 2026
Noun
The original 37-acre La Questa Vineyard, subdivided into three parcels, survived its ravages. Laura Ness, Mercury News, 18 Jan. 2026 His pointed lyrics tackle such topics as ignorance, oppression, failed government policies in his homeland, wanton terrorism, the lasting ravages of French colonialism (which only ended in Niger in 2023), the exploitation of Africa’s natural resources and other timely topics. George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ravage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ravage
Verb
  • Both victims died in separate mobile homes that were destroyed about two to three miles apart, Bullard said.
    Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 22 June 2026
  • If Iran’s atomic weapons infrastructure was destroyed in this war, funneling hundreds of billions into the country can’t be used to rebuild it.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 21 June 2026
Noun
  • This season’s ravaging reached further, for guards and wings and virtually anyone of relevance.
    Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 31 May 2026
  • It should also never be forgotten that the five who approved this ravaging of the city’s beach are the exact same five who voted to give themselves enormous pay raises and more lavish health care benefits last July — another stealth move with scant notice to the taxpaying public.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 27 May 2026
Verb
  • For months, Uber and lawyers from across the state poured tens of millions into dueling ballot measures that threatened to devastate the profits of whichever side lost.
    Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
  • The jury in the federal trial of the man accused of starting the deadly blaze that devastated the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles last year is deadlocked after two days of deliberations, the court said Thursday.
    Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • At least, there was a lot less wrecking.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 13 Feb. 2026
  • The Ravens haven’t really had that game-wrecking pass rusher since Terrell Suggs was in his prime.
    The Athletic NFL Staff, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Don't Worry Too Much About Saltwater Or Chlorine Many people assume a quick swim in the ocean or pool will ruin their sunglasses.
    Gabi De la Rosa, Southern Living, 20 June 2026
  • Could the Boston Celtics or another team ruin the Heat’s plan, swooping in and trading for Antetokounmpo this offseason and getting a long-term commitment from him?
    Anthony Chiang June 19, Miami Herald, 19 June 2026
Noun
  • David Hearn, a former Olympic canoeist, told the the Washington Post he was arrested on June 19 and charged with misdemeanor destruction of government property.
    N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 23 June 2026
  • This came on the heels of another round of tornadoes just four days earlier that leveled buildings and caused widespread destruction across the region.
    Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • However, the Supreme Court in several cases has struck down any improper use or desecration of the flag on the grounds of free speech, according to the Library of Congress’ most frequently asked questions about flag law.
    Darleene Powells, Boston Herald, 10 June 2026
  • He was charged in Linn County, Kansas with interference with law enforcement, criminal desecration and having a vicious dog at large.
    Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 2 June 2026
Noun
  • Some of these are arranged into more staid compositions of geometric bands of color, while others bend and bulge into shapes evoking the baroque ruination of junk-yard findings.
    Vince Aletti, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2026
  • The only thing that would satisfy the gremlin in me is the ruination of my freedom.
    Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 19 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Ravage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ravage. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.

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