1
as in disastrous
bringing about ruin or misfortune
a ruinous miscalculation of the financial markets left them bankrupt
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in devastating
causing or tending to cause destruction
a ruinous windstorm destroyed the crops
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ruinous
The actors who especially come out on top here are Sturridge and Ford as the dueling counterpoints in this ruinous romantic triangle.
—
Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 20 May 2026
That’s a positive flag for an Eagles offense whose ruinous regression in the run game last season led to former OC Kevin Patullo’s ouster.
—Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2026
Its promise to jump on the AI gravy train, however, has seemingly left its ruinous financials in the rearview mirror.
—Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 16 Apr. 2026
Advertisement Even with the right cast and script, this storyline could have been ruinous, its big personalities and B-movie chic and naked boobs with the word boobs scrolled across them hijacking the more crucial but less flashy family arc.
—Judy Berman, Time, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ruinous
Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 20 May 2026
That’s a positive flag for an Eagles offense whose ruinous regression in the run game last season led to former OC Kevin Patullo’s ouster.
—Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2026
Its promise to jump on the AI gravy train, however, has seemingly left its ruinous financials in the rearview mirror.
—Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 16 Apr. 2026
Advertisement Even with the right cast and script, this storyline could have been ruinous, its big personalities and B-movie chic and naked boobs with the word boobs scrolled across them hijacking the more crucial but less flashy family arc.
—Judy Berman, Time, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ruinous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ruinous
Adjective
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Caitlin Clark was part of another disastrous collapse on Saturday night, as the Indiana Fever blew a double-digit lead to the New York Liberty.—
Jackson Thompson OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
7 June 2026
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At that pace, even a tiny micrometeoroid has the ability to impart a significant kinetic blow upon striking a spacecraft en route to the moon, with potentially disastrous results for the astronaut crew inside.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
7 June 2026
Adjective
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San Antonio is looking to bounce back after falling short of a comeback in a devastating manner in Game 2.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
9 June 2026
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Los Angeles – and particularly the community that surrounds Riviera, still in recovery mode from the devastating fires that ravaged Pacific Palisades in January, 2025 – also won, with this week-long reminder that this community is still awfully special, no matter what the haters say.—
Jim Alexander,
Oc Register,
8 June 2026
Adjective
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The fatal bear encounter at Glacier National Park occurred in the same week that two hikers were injured in a bear attack at Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, according to the park service.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
10 June 2026
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The Sheriff’s Office did not release any details about a motive or what might have led to the fatal shooting.—
Rosalio Ahumada,
Sacbee.com,
10 June 2026
Adjective
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Declan Rice — England/Arsenal A monster athlete who makes his destructive presence felt all over the pitch and can drive his team forward with the ball at his feet, as well as providing world-class set-piece delivery.—
Liam Twomey,
New York Times,
11 June 2026
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The new strategy comes a day after 21 people were arrested at a watch party that became violent and destructive, according to a law enforcement official.—
Mark Morales,
CNN Money,
10 June 2026
Adjective
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There’s no question that this unfortunate cocktail of corruption, inefficiency, and simple incompetence is holding the country back.—
Daniel Alarcón,
New Yorker,
4 June 2026
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Unfortunately, going cold turkey off a central nervous system depressant like GHB has some pretty unfortunate side-effects.—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
3 June 2026
Adjective
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For patients weighing the long-term implications of starting, stopping or cycling on and off these medications, the review suggests the metabolic stakes of regain may be less catastrophic than feared.—
Allison Palmer,
Kansas City Star,
11 June 2026
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Kenneth Bass is one of thousands of residents and business owners suing the city of Los Angeles and other entities over property loss and other damages suffered during the catastrophic Palisades fire.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ruinous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruinous. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.
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