VANDALISM Synonyms: 33 Similar and Opposite Words

vandalism

noun

ˈvan-də-ˌli-zəm

Definition of vandalism

as in vandalization

deliberate damaging or destroying of another's property anyone guilty of vandalism to university property will be expelled

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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 vandalism The public, which had been barred from the site for decades because of vandalism and disrepair, was welcomed Thursday evening to the dedication and blessing of the trail’s crosses. — Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 16 Aug. 2026 The vandalism that occurred is an utter disgrace and will not be tolerated. — Alexander Mallin, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026 Departments have been reporting a rash of vandalism, and community members have expressed concerns about privacy, misuse and errors. — Tom Olsen, Twin Cities, 14 Aug. 2026 There has also been a surge in vandalism of the cameras nationwide. — Kansas City Star, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vandalism

Recent Examples of Synonyms for vandalism

Noun

Riverside has both a community center named for Chavez and a bronze statue — often the target of vandalization — on the Main Street pedestrian mall in the city’s downtown.

— Ryan Carter, Daily News, 19 Mar. 2026
Police said officers from the 116th Precinct had been alerted to the vandalization in the neighborhood and found 11 different police vehicles, both marked and unmarked, with damage.

— Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 13 Nov. 2025

Definition of vandalization

Noun

AccuWeather data from April showed Illinois already leading the nation in tornado, hail and high‑wind reports before the destruction last month.

— Daily Southtown, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
Meanwhile, some vendors have sued the city to obtain public records related to the seizure and destruction of vendor equipment.

— Da Lin, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of destruction

Noun

Prosecutors concluded that widespread damage to the pool’s blue lining stemmed from construction problems after investigators were unable to find any evidence of intentional defacement.

— Paloma Chavez, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026
Livestock theft, arson and the defacement of mosques are routinely reported.

— Majdi Mohammed, Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2026

Definition of defacement

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vandal

vandalism

vandalization

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“Vandalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vandalism. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of vandalism

noun

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