TEAR DOWN Synonyms: 170 Similar and Opposite Words

tear down

verb

Definition of tear down

as in to destroy

to bring to a complete end the physical soundness, existence, or usefulness of vandals tore down the wooden fence blocking the entrance to the beach

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to demolish

to destroy (as a building) completely by knocking down or breaking to pieces the new owners apparently bought the house just to tear it down and build a lavish mansion in its place

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 tear down Two vacant structures would be torn down to make way for the 24,850-square-foot building anchored by john greene Realtor and john greene Commercial. — Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026 Most of the symbol is believed to have been torn down by patriots at the onset of the revolution, though the surviving third remains at the church. — Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 8 July 2026 The French revolutionaries tore down almost all of society’s old structures—including the calendar, the churches, and the school system. — David Brooks, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026 People can be forgiven for questioning whether Amtrak’s bold new vision will ever come to life, given that more than a dozen Penn redevelopment plans have been proposed and abandoned since the original station was torn down in the 1960s. — Andy Byford, New York Daily News, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for tear down

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tear down

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

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

Definition of demolish

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

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

Definition of shatter

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

Verb

Of course, they’re devastated, and so is Clark, who is left with an ideal, a paragon of self-sacrifice, a superhero to remember and look up to, but not a friend.

— Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 13 July 2026
This all comes after reports that Lively was devastated not to get an invite to Swift’s wedding.

— Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 13 July 2026

Definition of devastate

Verb

After scoring in Mexico’s opening match against South Africa — his first goal at a World Cup — Jimenez was overcome with emotion on the pitch.

— Tom Burrows, New York Times, 12 July 2026
To be able to feel and touch the community of Cologne, and this person who suffered that ordeal and overcame it — and then managed to carry out the courage of her convictions with Ukrainian refugees.

— Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 11 July 2026

Definition of overcome

Browse Nearby Words

tearaways

tear down

teardrop

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“Tear down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tear%20down. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of tear down

verb

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