raze

verb

ˈrāz 

razed; razing

transitive verb

1

: to destroy to the ground : demolish

raze an old building

2

a

: to scrape, cut, or shave off

b

archaic : erase

razer noun

Synonyms of raze

• demolish
• destroy
• ruin
• devastate
• shatter
• wreck
• smash

Examples of raze in a Sentence

an entire city block razed by a terrible fire

the developer razed the old school building and built a high-rise condominium complex

Recent Examples on the Web

What’s replacing the old Excelsior Club, and when Owner Kenwood Investments filed plans to raze the building at 921 Beatties Ford Road on June 18. — Charlotte Observer, 17 July 2026

Co-founder Ray Bobbitt, a local face of the project, has floated the idea of razing the former A’s ballpark and replacing it with a smaller stadium, plus a hotel, retail storefronts and nightlife venues, in addition to housing. — Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 13 July 2026

In 1642, the fifth Dalai Lama first unified Tibet by yoking the strength of Mongol forces, who razed the monasteries of rival sects, killing thousands. — Charlie Campbell, Time, 9 July 2026

Some thought the building should be razed, while others said maybe it could be salvaged — but that safety must be foremost. — Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 8 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

alteration of rase

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for raze

• baize
• bays
• blase
• blaze
• braes
• braze
• chaise
• claes
• clays
• craze
• dais
• days

Kids Definition

raze

verb

ˈrāz 

razed; razing

: to destroy completely by knocking down or breaking to pieces : demolish

razed the building