VANDALISMS 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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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 Lopes was accused of attacking and killing Chesna while he was being arrested for vandalism and erratic driving. — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2026 In Louisville, vandalism of Flock cameras has surged recently. — Josh Wood, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Sep. 2026 The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office charged the man with felony vandalism and felony evasion of a police officer, according to court records. — Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 3 Sep. 2026 The following year, DeFoor was charged with two counts of vandalism after windows at a Hyde Park business were broken. — Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 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

The terrorism committed by Hamas on October 7 and the subsequent destruction of Gaza by Israeli forces are not the same.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 Sep. 2026
Whether destruction or technological progress, both are purposeful activities, each with different conceptions of success or failure.

— Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 17 Sep. 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 21 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of vandalism

noun

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