smash 1 of 2

Definition of smashnext
1
2
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

smash

2 of 2

noun

1
2
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

3
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5

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
The social media reviews are smashing. Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 5 Jan. 2026 The shower owes its brief peak to the near-perpendicular angle at which Earth smashes through the thin debris trail left by asteroid 2003 EH1. Anthony Wood, Space.com, 3 Jan. 2026
Noun
The event, by all accounts, was a smash hit — and such a success hinted at a gleaming future, one that IHRA referenced in its announcement Wednesday. Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 1 Jan. 2026 His heartfelt thank-you letter to fans for making the film a runaway smash emphasized his influences, inspirations, and ongoing belief in the strength of the big-screen experience. Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 31 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for smash
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smash
Verb
  • The Creature is slowed, however, when gunfire shatters the ice around its feet, plunging it into the cold sea.
    Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Troconis’ case for being a cooperating witness was shattered when Dulos died after attempting to commit suicide in January 2020, Bowman testified.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 10 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • It is designed to mirror the East Wing addition after the previous building was demolished last year.
    Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 9 Jan. 2026
  • In order to do so, the city has to acquire the land and purchase the properties — valued at $22 million total — and demolish them, causing several businesses to close or relocate to make way for the project.
    Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • So, automation can be used to destroy labor or workers’ power, but it can also be used in the opposite direction.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Homes, businesses and synagogues were destroyed.
    Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 9 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Bolstering that pair — or, even better, the second pair, and bumping down rookie Axel Sandin-Pellikka to the third — would go a long way toward solidifying the blue line.
    Max Bultman, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Pending toxicology test results in 180 other cases will likely bump the total up more.
    Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Conversely, collision coverage helps when your own car is damaged in a crash, whereas medical coverage helps cover treatment costs following an accident.
    Ethan M. Stone, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Neither alcohol nor drugs were determined to be factors in the collision.
    Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Conversely, collision coverage helps when your own car is damaged in a crash, whereas medical coverage helps cover treatment costs following an accident.
    Ethan M. Stone, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
  • The Colorado State Patrol said the crash happened near Tordal Way, south of Frisco.
    Christa Swanson, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Both teams scored 14 points in that final period, with Matthew Stafford’s 19-yard touchdown pass to tight end Colby Parkinson the killing blow with 38 seconds left.
    Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 11 Jan. 2026
  • This latest disaster will be framed by some as another blow to Minnesota's reputation.
    Phil Morris The Minnesota Star Tribune, Arkansas Online, 10 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Micro bangs These cheeky micro bangs topped our experts’ predictions for 2026.
    Loren Savini, Allure, 10 Jan. 2026
  • From a distance, A’zion’s hairline disappeared under her bangs, which were gelled into tiny ripples on her forehead.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 9 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Smash.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smash. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.

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