SABOTAGE Synonyms: 130 Similar and Opposite Words

sabotage 1 of 2

noun

Definition of sabotage

as in destruction

the act of destroying or damaging something deliberately so that it does not work correctly Angry workers were responsible for the sabotage of the machines. Officials have not yet ruled out sabotage as a possible cause of the crash.

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sabotage

2 of 2

verb

as in to thwart

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Dissimilar Words

as in to destroy

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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 sabotage

Noun

The Ukrainian military said Saturday that small groups of Russian soldiers had infiltrated the town, but counter-sabotage operations were ongoing. — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 5 July 2026 In my opinion, Carl can self-sabotage by amplifying the scale, scope and landscape of what had been negotiated, accordingly placing himself and his counterparties at odds. — Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 29 June 2026

Verb

In a June 8 letter, a coalition of industry and labor groups argued that the governor’s budget proposal will cost production jobs and sabotage the state’s film incentive. — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 19 June 2026 The power of weak ties and familiar strangers Not every connection needs to become a best friendship, and expecting that pressure can sabotage your social life entirely. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for sabotage

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sabotage

Noun

Growing concerns over wildfire preparedness The destruction of Collins has renewed questions about whether Ontario’s wildfire strategy is keeping pace with increasingly intense fire seasons.

— Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
Two Democratic lawmakers have introduced a bill to protect federal artworks, including New Deal-era masterpieces, from possible sale or destruction.

— Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 17 July 2026

Definition of destruction

Verb

As Deadline reported last week, Tatro was in talks to join the DC Universe as the hyper-intelligent telepathic ape who has sought to rule both the simian and human worlds, though the Flash has frequently thwarted his plans.

— Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 15 July 2026
An episode of severe weather was expected across northern New England earlier this week, but was thwarted by the presence of thick wildfire smoke from Canada.

— Matthew Cappucci, Washington Post, 15 July 2026

Definition of thwart

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

In a 2022 request to interview Floris and Benavides, the senators said the episode frustrated and obstructed their oversight.

— Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 19 July 2026
Surprisingly, Cape Verde were the one team able to frustrate them, earning a 0-0 draw in the opening match.

— Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 17 July 2026

Definition of frustrate

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

Verb

In McBride’s work, collections of idiots and unlikable misfits strive for power and achievement and are inevitably foiled by their own flaws.

— Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 16 July 2026
Sure, Lucky’s escape is nearly foiled by the fleet-of-foot federal agent, but the same could be said for dozens of similar encounters throughout the premiere, at more perilous junctures than a brief jog between immobile trailers.

— Ben Travers, IndieWire, 15 July 2026

Definition of foil

Verb

Those findings may sound like proof the job wrecks your hormones.

— Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
Long-distance backpacking is having a moment, and readers planning a first thru-hike want to know how to prepare without wrecking their body, their gear budget or their trip.

— Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 July 2026

Definition of wreck

Browse Nearby Words

sables

sabotage

sabotaged

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“Sabotage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sabotage. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of sabotage

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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