1
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
2
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of tear down
Some thought the building, which often flooded due to its proximity to the Des Plaines River, should be preserved as a historic landmark, but it was torn down in January 2018.
—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
27 June 2026
In the second World Cup match in Arlington, FC Dallas’ best striker, Petar Musa, got on the board for Croatia with a first half goal that ignited the DFW crowd and made the 28-year-old stream tears down his face.
—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
26 June 2026
The university then became responsible for remediation work and its daily 24/7 security before the crime scene was torn down against some of the victim families’ wishes ahead of a trial at the end of December 2023.
—
Kevin Fixler
june 26,
Idaho Statesman,
26 June 2026
The president's team also repaired fountains throughout the city, tore down the White House's East Wing to make way for a ballroom, attempted to close the Kennedy Center for renovations, and drew up plans for a gigantic triumphal arch across the river from the capital in Virginia.
—
Joe Walsh,
CBS News,
19 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for tear down
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
27 June 2026
In the second World Cup match in Arlington, FC Dallas’ best striker, Petar Musa, got on the board for Croatia with a first half goal that ignited the DFW crowd and made the 28-year-old stream tears down his face.
—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
26 June 2026
The university then became responsible for remediation work and its daily 24/7 security before the crime scene was torn down against some of the victim families’ wishes ahead of a trial at the end of December 2023.
—
Kevin Fixler
june 26,
Idaho Statesman,
26 June 2026
The president's team also repaired fountains throughout the city, tore down the White House's East Wing to make way for a ballroom, attempted to close the Kennedy Center for renovations, and drew up plans for a gigantic triumphal arch across the river from the capital in Virginia.
—
Joe Walsh,
CBS News,
19 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for tear down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tear down
Verb
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The most common type of dementia, which destroys memory and cognitive function, was responsible for 116,022 deaths in 2024, NCHS data shows.
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That book is a revenge fantasy about the former art school professor who seduced her, discarded her and destroyed her confidence as a painter.
Verb
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The East Wing of the White House was demolished suddenly in October 2025, and construction at the site, which will be the location of a new 22,000-square-foot ballroom, has continued through mid-2026.
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Just months later, in October, the East Wing had been demolished without notice to make way for the new ballroom.
Verb
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However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.
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After all, plenty of cocktail enthusiasts already complain about mosquitoes ruining a summer evening.
Verb
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Seconds later, a powerful explosion blasted through the doorway, shattering windows and sending vertical blinds and debris flying as firefighters quickly retreated from the building.
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Republican Rick Jackson shattered spending records in Georgia by spending $108 million of his own money into his campaign for governor.
Verb
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The good news is that dermatologists and makeup artists have figured out how to keep your SPF topped up without wrecking your foundation, blush or setting spray.
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In the history of mankind, socialist success stories are as rare as triple plays in baseball, but plenty of countries have been wrecked by it — Venezuela and Cuba, to name just two.
Verb
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The project has sparked outrage because of the location’s pristine nature and unique habitat that would be irreversibly devastated, according to environmentalists.
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BangkokReuters — The family of a 17-year-old Thai girl whose body was found in a suitcase in Pattaya said they were devastated by her death, for which an Australian man has been arrested and charged with murder.
Verb
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Powell is accused of smashing the mug over the victim's head.
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The van’s windows were smashed and a lone orange traffic cone sat on the hood.
Verb
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The rookie point guard overcame early shooting struggles to lead all scorers with 25 points.
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The telecommunications giant’s fight to end landline service is playing out in the FCC and federal court, amid an underlying battle over how much power the agency has to overcome decisions by states.
Cite this Entry
“Tear down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tear%20down. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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