smash 1 of 2

Definition of smashnext
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as in to demolish
to cause to break open or into pieces by or as if by an explosive the firecracker smashed the clay pot

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in to destroy
to bring to a complete end the physical soundness, existence, or usefulness of the invading troops smashed the resistance and went on to conquer the country

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4
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as in crash
the violent coming together of two bodies into destructive contact the sound of the smash made all of the bystanders immediately whip their heads around

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 smash
Verb
Brook, the England captain, smashed 79 not out off only 35 balls, with eight fours and four sixes. ABC News, 9 July 2026 As the officers attempted to stop the van, according to the Department of Homeland Security, Salgado Araujo ignored their commands and smashed into their vehicles. Nick Miroff, The Atlantic, 9 July 2026
Noun
On July 3, 1996, Roland Emmerich’s disaster epic Independence Day paid off months of hype to become an instant box-office smash. Maggie Fremont, Entertainment Weekly, 3 July 2026 Start with sides and smaller dishes, like a smash burger salad, a honey fruit salad, and a pasta salad of your choice. Kylie Petty, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for smash
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smash
Verb
  • Valiollah Hayati, deputy governor for security and law enforcement of Khuzestan Province, where Ahvaz is located, reported that a strike caused damage to nearby homes and shattered the windows of some housing units, according to IRIB.
    Sophia Saifi, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
  • Reed struck an officer twice in the forearm with the broomstick, which shattered upon impact with the officer’s arm.
    Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 16 July 2026
Verb
  • West Harbor is the redevelopment of the former waterfront Ports O'Call Village, which was demolished in 2018.
    Julie Sharp, CBS News, 14 July 2026
  • The two-acre space was the site of the California State Building, which suffered systemic damage in the 1971 Sylmar earthquake and was demolished five years later.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 13 July 2026
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
Verb
  • Wembanyama could have put language in his extension that bumped his salary up to 30% of the cap with any of those league honors.
    Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
  • There’s Swain in a Texas Longhorns jersey, bumping defenders off-balance with his hip and scooping the ball out of the reach of outstretched hands.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026
Noun
  • This would be a caution, an alert — a way to avert collisions.
    Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 12 July 2026
  • Schettino avoided acknowledging the extent of the damage, even though the head of the engine room informed him almost immediately after the collision.
    Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 11 July 2026
Noun
  • Fortune talked to several analysts about the resulting 25% stock crash, the worst single-day decline in a company history dating back 115 years, but perhaps none was as damning as Krishna’s own words.
    Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 15 July 2026
  • In response to Schettino inviting his mistress to the bridge with him on the night of the crash, the agencies also limited bridge access to only essential crew members.
    Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 15 July 2026
Noun
  • Ohtani’s absence will be a blow for baseball’s Midsummer Classic at Citizens Bank Park.
    Dan Greenspan, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2026
  • The Atlas Lions are the lone African team left in the competition and are looking to stun the footballing world with a takedown blow of Didier Deschamps’ 2018 World Cup champions in this revenge match.
    Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 9 July 2026
Noun
  • That forced Chinese developers to find new ways to get more bang for their computing buck.
    Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 17 July 2026
  • Passengers reported hearing a loud bang when the section of the plane was ripped off, and chaotic winds swept into the cabin.
    Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 14 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Smash.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smash. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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