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vaporize

verb

ˈvā-pə-ˌrīz How to pronounce vaporize (audio)
Definition of vaporizenext
as in to destroy
to bring to a complete end the physical soundness, existence, or usefulness of a lightning strike vaporized the tree

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 vaporize This large mass will translate into higher quantities of polluting propellant needed to loft these systems off Earth and a much larger amount of metals vaporizing in Earth's atmosphere during reentry. — Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 11 Aug. 2026 When the crash occurs, the object vaporizes and shock waves are sent reverberating through the Earth’s crust. — Megan Fahrney, ABC News, 24 July 2026 To retire them, the company plans to move many of them into a graveyard orbit, while others will be vaporized by burning up in Earth’s atmosphere during re-entry. — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 9 July 2026 When a large body hits, some of the impact energy goes into vaporizing or melting rock right at the impact site. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for vaporize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vaporize
  1. destroy
  2. demolish
  3. ruin
  4. shatter
  5. devastate
  6. wreck
  7. smash
Verb
  • Just this man, essentially destroying himself while his friend watched.
    — Fiction Non Fiction, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2026
  • The European Union’s ban on destroying unsold apparel, clothing accessories and footwear began applying to large companies July 19.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of destroy
Verb
  • The block that houses Monarch Donuts will soon be demolished as construction starts on a new retail and residential development called the Arcadia Town Center.
    — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Some are also concerned that the president's proposal for the arch, along with other projects like the ballroom and threats to demolish the Kennedy Center, could significantly alter Washington's landscape.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of demolish
Verb
  • Before the attack, millions of books a year were printed in this space, where there’s now nothing but piles of swollen book stock, ruined after firefighters put out the blaze.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 21 Sep. 2026
  • But Timothy Leary’s version became the dominant idea of psychedelics, and when President Ronald Reagan’s War on Drugs began, psychedelics were vilified as the gateway to ruin.
    — Claire Hoffman, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of ruin
Verb
  • Delicately beautiful, with big emotions and a dramatic flair, the cosseted Vivien’s world was shattered at the age of six, when she was sent to be raised in a convent in England.
    — Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Revived fighting shattered a 2022 ceasefire as Houthis strike Saudi cities, oil facilities and shipping, declare a blockade and claim growing power.
    — Samy Magdy, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of shatter
Verb
  • The horrors for women and girls are prevalent everywhere, Theron said, but her native South Africa is particularly devastated by it.
    — Angelique Jackson, Variety, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Florida citrus growers are planting trees with gene-editing technology to combat the deadly citrus greening disease that has devastated many of their crops.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of devastate
Verb
  • The yahoos in our capital would wreck only the state this time and not the whole country, but the irresponsibility is the same.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Here’s how the shift happened, what the ingredient actually does below the neck and how to fold it into a routine without wrecking your skin barrier.
    — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of wreck
Verb
  • The image of babies smashed to bits is likely to arouse protests like Abraham’s.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The helicopter crashed in a driveway between two warehouses, smashing into a pair of truck cargo containers while the news crew tried grabbing video footage of a serious collision involving a Metro bus that also left two people dead.
    — Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of smash

Browse Nearby Words

vaporing
vaporize
vaporized
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Vaporize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vaporize. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

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