1
as in downfall
something that is the cause of one's ultimate failure or loss of life
neglect and indifference have proved to be the ruination of more than one marriage
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in destruction
the state or fact of being rendered nonexistent, physically unsound, or useless
although this is a setback, it isn't complete ruination for the company
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ruination
By now, my colleagues have grown accustomed to my gleeful ruination of the workplace.
—
Ariel Dumas, New Yorker, 14 Nov. 2025
Wedding fundraising pages are not invoices that require payment under threat of credit ruination.
—R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 19 Oct. 2025
Fetterman and McCormick set for high-stakes Pennsylvania forum MAJOR HEADLINES
‘DAMAGING DECISION’ – Trump says tariff ruling could lead to 'economic ruination' of US.
—FOXNews.com, 2 June 2025
Charged with gun possession and bribing a witness, Mr. Combs stood trial for seven weeks in early 2001, facing the possibility of 15 years in prison — and, possibly, the ruination of his career.
—Ben Sisario, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ruination
Ariel Dumas, New Yorker, 14 Nov. 2025
Wedding fundraising pages are not invoices that require payment under threat of credit ruination.
—R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 19 Oct. 2025
Fetterman and McCormick set for high-stakes Pennsylvania forum MAJOR HEADLINES
‘DAMAGING DECISION’ – Trump says tariff ruling could lead to 'economic ruination' of US.
—FOXNews.com, 2 June 2025
Charged with gun possession and bribing a witness, Mr. Combs stood trial for seven weeks in early 2001, facing the possibility of 15 years in prison — and, possibly, the ruination of his career.
—Ben Sisario, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ruination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ruination
Noun
-
What looks to have caused his downfall was a refusal by smaller racecourse owners — and in particular Arena Racing Company (ARC), whose 16 courses include Chepstow, Newcastle and Wolverhampton — to support the idea of an independent BHA board.—
Ian King,
CNBC,
11 Mar. 2026
-
The only downfall is the timing.—
Howard Cohen,
Miami Herald,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The Carrier Bag Theory of Fiction famously took on the traditional ideas of the hero’s journey and destruction in storytelling, arguing that the earliest human tool was not a weapon, but a container, such as a bag, a basket, or even a net, designed for gathering and storing food.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
16 Mar. 2026
-
While humans have learned to harness the wind to create clean energy, there’s no way to stop hurricane-force winds or tornadoes that cause destruction.—
Sheryl De Vore,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
First there was Alexander Bublik, whaling his racket into the green court behind the baseline against Rinky Hijikata with abandon and devastation.—
James Hansen,
New York Times,
10 Mar. 2026
-
The balance Jean strikes between devastation and liberation emphasizes the appreciation one brings to the other.—
Larisha Paul,
VIBE.com,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Originally a 16th-round pick out of the University of Washington in 2021, Ward has set himself apart throughout his minor league career for his ability to get on base and cause havoc.—
Mac Cerullo,
Hartford Courant,
12 Mar. 2026
-
Numerous types of nematodes and pests can create havoc with a carrot crop, especially those that love carrot roots.—
Haniya Rae,
Martha Stewart,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The fossil record suggests these massive creatures disappeared during the sweeping extinctions that marked the end of the Pleistocene.—
Hanna Wickes,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
17 Mar. 2026
-
The series once again finds itself in a prescient position with the industry on the precipice of an extinction-level event, and Valerie once again rises to the occasion with a message worth hearing, delivered with a smile that’s improbably radiant.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
17 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Kawhi Leonard, arguably the NBA’s best player over the past three months, sprained his left ankle in the fourth quarter of Saturday night’s loss to the Sacramento Kings.—
Janis Carr,
Oc Register,
16 Mar. 2026
-
The neutral-court loss to a middling Baylor team.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
That two-bedroom house, built in 1927, has already been permitted for demolition.—
Catherine Odom,
Miami Herald,
16 Mar. 2026
-
The cost of the demolition, $89,000, will be assessed to the property owner’s tax statement.—
Frederick Melo,
Twin Cities,
15 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ruination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruination. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.
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