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
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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
And to think that many thought MLB Free Agency in 1976 was the ruination of the sport.
—
Chuck Murr, Forbes.com, 19 Jan. 2026
Advertisement What’s perhaps most critical around the plague is its embodiment of feelings of destruction and ruination.
—Nathan Smith, Time, 26 Nov. 2025
Wedding fundraising pages are not invoices that require payment under threat of credit ruination.
—R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 19 Oct. 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
Chuck Murr, Forbes.com, 19 Jan. 2026
Advertisement What’s perhaps most critical around the plague is its embodiment of feelings of destruction and ruination.
—Nathan Smith, Time, 26 Nov. 2025
Wedding fundraising pages are not invoices that require payment under threat of credit ruination.
—R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 19 Oct. 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
-
His downfall was as sudden as an avalanche.—
Steve Chapman,
Chicago Tribune,
6 May 2026
-
The Venezuelan Communist Party, which had already distanced itself from Maduro before his downfall, has become another major source of criticism against Rodríguez’s administration.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
6 May 2026
Noun
-
But Church, undeterred, was drawn to the idea that those processes offered lessons in destruction and renewal which could be applied to a nation teetering on civil war.—
Sebastian Smee,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
The bottom line is that the pressure on the great American people, because of these people who are, like, really intent on American and Israeli destruction with their nuclear weapons are still in power.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
4 May 2026
Noun
-
Arellano was recognized for opinion writing for his columns illuminating the fear and devastation of local immigrants during last summer’s ICE raids.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
5 May 2026
-
Since launching in Los Angeles in 2021, Bleak Week has consistently supported the notion that well-rendered, artistic tales of devastation play best to rooms full of people who are already primed for heartbreak.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
4 May 2026
Noun
-
While ground covers can boost the health and aesthetics of your yard, some varieties can wreak havoc on nearby plants, trees, and soil.—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
1 May 2026
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The other problem is this AI locomotive coming down the tracks, which is going to wreak havoc for workers.—
Ethan Baron,
Mercury News,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
Bald eagles have made a strong recovery in Michigan, growing from the edge of extinction with just 52 breeding pairs in the 1960s to about 900 pairs by 2023, Bridge Michigan reported.—
Stephen Sorace,
FOXNews.com,
28 Apr. 2026
-
By the early 1940s, it was gone, widely recognized as the first butterfly in North America driven to extinction by human activity.—
Itay Hod,
CBS News,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
All this may explain why the war doesn’t linger in British memory as a painful loss.—
Daniel Immerwahr,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
Their 7-6 record ended a 22-year run of at least 10 wins in a season, and their six losses before the playoffs marked their most since the 2009 squad went 9-6 before going 1-1 in the tournament.—
Edward Lee,
Baltimore Sun,
4 May 2026
Noun
-
The list, last compiled in 2021, draws attention to historic buildings that face the risk of demolition or falling into obscurity.—
Chris Higgins,
Kansas City Star,
4 May 2026
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However, not one has been designated as historic by our city and all 26 are in danger of demolition.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
4 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ruination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruination. Accessed 7 May. 2026.
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