destructive
adjective
de·struc·tive
di-ˈstrək-tiv 
1
: causing destruction : ruinous
destructive storm
2
: designed or tending to hurt or destroy
destructive criticism
destructively
adverb
destructiveness
noun
Examples of destructive in a Sentence
It was one of the most destructive storms in recent memory.
She argued that the law was destructive of personal liberties.
The school is concerned about the destructive behavior of a few students.
Recent Examples on the Web
The site lies just 23 miles from the active Kula volcanic field, reminding us that the same forces once feared for their destructive potential can also be harnessed for long-term stability.
—
Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 18 Dec. 2025
For more than 20 years, the filmmaker has explored social contexts for some of humanity’s most destructive behavior in works like Lady Vengeance, The Handmaiden, and Decision to Leave by taking his stories in unexpectedly funny and poignant directions.
—Kayti Burt, Time, 18 Dec. 2025
Kevin Krebs entered a guilty plea to possession of an unregistered firearm or destructive device and faces up to 10 years in prison.
—Tom Dougherty, CBS News, 18 Dec. 2025
Just like squash plants, melons can be targeted by destructive squash bugs and cucumber beetles, but using them as marigold companion plants can deter these troublesome pests.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for destructive
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Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 18 Dec. 2025
For more than 20 years, the filmmaker has explored social contexts for some of humanity’s most destructive behavior in works like Lady Vengeance, The Handmaiden, and Decision to Leave by taking his stories in unexpectedly funny and poignant directions.
—Kayti Burt, Time, 18 Dec. 2025
Kevin Krebs entered a guilty plea to possession of an unregistered firearm or destructive device and faces up to 10 years in prison.
—Tom Dougherty, CBS News, 18 Dec. 2025
Just like squash plants, melons can be targeted by destructive squash bugs and cucumber beetles, but using them as marigold companion plants can deter these troublesome pests.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for destructive
Cite this Entry
“Destructive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/destructive. Accessed 22 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
destructive
adjective
de·struc·tive
di-ˈstrək-tiv
1
: causing destruction : ruinous
a destructive storm
2
: designed or tending to hurt or destroy
destructive criticism
destructively
adverb
destructiveness
noun
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