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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of tear down
While outreach workers will be hitting homeless encampments throughout the city, encouraging people to go to shelters during the storm, the city will not be tearing down the makeshift shanties the homeless have built before Sunday’s storm, Mamdani said.
—
Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 21 Feb. 2026
Kingston criticized developers wanting to tear down City Hall and remake the area, questioning both their track record and their motives.
—Nick Wooten, Dallas Morning News, 21 Feb. 2026
The old hotel on the other side of Main Street that likely served as the exit point for the freedom seekers was torn down decades ago.
—Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 19 Feb. 2026
As part of that expansion, the East Wing was torn down, including the theater and offices for the first lady.
—Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tear down
Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 21 Feb. 2026
Kingston criticized developers wanting to tear down City Hall and remake the area, questioning both their track record and their motives.
—Nick Wooten, Dallas Morning News, 21 Feb. 2026
The old hotel on the other side of Main Street that likely served as the exit point for the freedom seekers was torn down decades ago.
—Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 19 Feb. 2026
As part of that expansion, the East Wing was torn down, including the theater and offices for the first lady.
—Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tear down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tear down
Verb
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In eastern Afghanistan, the Department of Information and Culture accused Pakistan of targeting civilian areas, destroying homes and killing at least 11 people.—
MUNIR AHMED,
Arkansas Online,
1 Mar. 2026
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The Democrat said Iran’s defenses were weakened and Saturday there was an opportunity to destroy remaining military assets.—
Anthony Shoemaker,
The Columbus Dispatch,
1 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The referendum sought funds to expand and renovate the school's North Campus building and demolish the school's South Campus building.—
Alec Johnson,
jsonline.com,
27 Feb. 2026
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The city had permitted the project to partially demolish a preexisting, two-story, two-unit dwelling, which was planned to be enlarged into a four-story, seven-unit building, a DOB spokesman said.—
Colin Mixson,
New York Daily News,
26 Feb. 2026
Verb
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However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.—
Don Sweeney,
Sacbee.com,
1 Mar. 2026
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Cops say the $89 pair of boots were ruined.—
Colin Mixson,
New York Daily News,
1 Mar. 2026
Verb
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That burst of momentum came in a primary that was already shattering spending records.—
Nik Popli,
Time,
4 Mar. 2026
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The series, based on a novel by Araminta Hall, delves into a crime that shatters a long-standing friendship among the three lead characters.—
Rick Porter,
HollywoodReporter,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
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His digestive system was wrecked by recurring dysentery and colic, and the calomel prescribed by his doctors only made things worse.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
23 Feb. 2026
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Listed at 6-3 and 315 pounds, the ultra-athletic Woods is the prototype for a game-wrecking defensive tackle.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
23 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Through the implementation of strong border policies, fentanyl trafficking across the southern border has been slashed in half, leading to fewer overdose deaths devastating American families.—
Gabe Evans,
Denver Post,
25 Feb. 2026
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The Short family is devastated by this loss, and asks for privacy at this time.—
StyleCaster Editors,
StyleCaster,
25 Feb. 2026
Verb
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According to Curtis, the changes come after years of complaints about burgers being smashed and falling apart.—
Marley Malenfant,
Austin American Statesman,
27 Feb. 2026
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Inside the pile of rocks at Delray Beach’s Anchor Park, there are hundreds of seashells, but most are broken, cracked, smashed or otherwise beaten up.—
Lois K. Solomon,
Sun Sentinel,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Sheriff Garry McFadden overcame a litany of scandals and a criminal investigation on Tuesday night, fending off challengers in the race for sheriff, according to unofficial election results.—
Briah Lumpkins,
Charlotte Observer,
4 Mar. 2026
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The Green Wave overcame a six-point deficit in the fourth quarter and forced OT on Younger’s baseline drive with 20 seconds remaining and Sauls’ layup with 10 seconds left.—
Patrick Z. McGavin,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Tear down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tear%20down. Accessed 5 Mar. 2026.
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