torn down

Definition of torn downnext
past participle of tear down
1
as in destroyed
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

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 torn down Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said Monday the last remaining historical home facing Lake Eola will not be torn down as some residents feared, even as the city plans to expand a park entrance near its location. Camila Gomez, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Feb. 2026 Leave it Developer Jack Matthews said Saturday the report bolsters his initial views — City Hall should be torn down. 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 The distinctive American-Chinese eatery is set to be torn down to make way for mixed-use apartment and retail buildings, with a smaller version of Kowloon included. Neal Riley, CBS News, 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 So that September night in 1972, our sentimental journey was the final gala event before the Strand Theater closed down forever – and it was torn down the following month. Jody Mamone, Hartford Courant, 11 Feb. 2026 If Manley is successful in buying the property, and after Beckman Coulter leaves, all the buildings would be torn down and a Costco would be built there. Terri Daxon, Oc Register, 22 Jan. 2026 Caruso said the ruins should be torn down. Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for torn down
Verb
  • The Los Angeles Fire Department and Mayor Bass have been criticized for their response during and after the Palisades Fire, which burned more than 23,000 acres, killed 12 people and destroyed thousands of structures.
    City News Service, Daily News, 25 Feb. 2026
  • Accessibility Unfortunately the rooms that met ADA requirements were located on the part of the property that was destroyed during the fires.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • After the city of New York demolished the Polo Grounds in 1964, a crumbling concrete staircase stood forgotten as the last remaining vestige of the legendary stadium.
    Libby Cierzniak, IndyStar, 20 Feb. 2026
  • With his daughter, Lupel also tutored youngsters from the Cabrini-Green housing project before it was demolished.
    Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • These liberals have ruined this state.
    DP Opinion, Denver Post, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Simple fasting from food can be ruined — rendered not pleasing to Allah — if spoiled by telling lies, slander, denouncing someone behind his back, swearing a false oath, greed or covetousness.
    The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 17 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Petar Zoko scored 24 points, including seven in OT, and pulled down 16 rebounds to lead Stagg (14-15).
    Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2026
  • Hatcher pulled down 6 boards and had 2 assists and 3 steals.
    Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Day after day, Olympic records were smashed, sometimes twice in the same race — surprising the skaters themselves, who didn't expect the ice conditions to be so dialed-in at a temporary rink.
    Pien Huang, NPR, 23 Feb. 2026
  • On its home turf this month, the host nation smashed those marks, winning 30 medals, the third most of any country, and 10 golds.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 23 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • 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
  • The 1992 play was produced for the Paradise Factory theater in Greenwich Village, which credits Noonan for opening the space where an ice cream shop and hat factory operated before a fire wrecked the building.
    Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 18 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • British filmmaker Grant Gee took best director honors for Everyone Digs Bill Evans, a fragmented bio-drama on the influential jazz pianist who was shattered by the tragic loss of his bassist in a car accident.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 21 Feb. 2026
  • Klaebo’s victory in the 50-kilometer mass start race shattered the nearly 50-year record set by American speed skater Eric Heiden, who won five golds in the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics.
    NBC News, NBC news, 21 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Edison’s aging transmission lines probably sparked the January 2025 fire that devastated west Altadena, a historically Black community of 1960s middle-class homebuyers.
    Melody Petersen, Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2026
  • This practice has contaminated farms, wells and food supplies in states across the country, often leaving farmers financially devastated and communities scrambling for clean drinking water.
    Peter Blair, Baltimore Sun, 21 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Torn down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/torn%20down. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.

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