as in to implode
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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 self-destruct
Simon insisted that, contrary to Ehrlich’s predictions, humanity would not self-destruct by overusing the planet’s resources.
—
Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
The radical outliers self-destruct during the high jinks (they get arrested or killed), but most people exhaust themselves and are happy to return to their workweek lives.
—Chuck Palahniuk, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2025
Today’s software needs to prevent problems from happening, not proliferate them or self-destruct.
—Laura Crabtree, Fortune, 12 Nov. 2025
Halfmann found it a bit unsettling to think that so many cells carry these self-destruct buttons just waiting to be pushed.
—Jon Hamilton, NPR, 16 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-destruct
Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
The radical outliers self-destruct during the high jinks (they get arrested or killed), but most people exhaust themselves and are happy to return to their workweek lives.
—Chuck Palahniuk, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2025
Today’s software needs to prevent problems from happening, not proliferate them or self-destruct.
—Laura Crabtree, Fortune, 12 Nov. 2025
Halfmann found it a bit unsettling to think that so many cells carry these self-destruct buttons just waiting to be pushed.
—Jon Hamilton, NPR, 16 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-destruct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-destruct
Verb
-
To that vision, the conference wisely added football in an effort to keep long-time members, but this effort failed and the league imploded.—
Dom Amore,
Hartford Courant,
21 Apr. 2026
-
Swalwell’s downfall was particularly swift; his 16-year political career imploded over a single weekend.—
Robert Abitbol,
USA Today,
18 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Then, in extra innings, Elly De La Cruz caused the Twins to crumble on defense and the Reds fired up the jet to Tampa with a series sweep.—
Joe Kinsey OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Tourists were flocking in as a new class of Cuban entrepreneurs renovated crumbling buildings into restaurants, art galleries and hotels.—
Kate Linthicum,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The jacket, which is expected to fetch between £250,000 ($339,000) and £350,000 ($474,000), is the only one from a survivor of the 1912 tragedy to go under the hammer, according to UK auction house Henry Aldridge and Son.—
Lianne Kolirin,
CNN Money,
16 Apr. 2026
-
This was not a vintage performance, but Everton and George did not go under.—
Patrick Boyland,
New York Times,
13 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Self-destruct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-destruct. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
