as in to destroy
to bring to a complete end the physical soundness, existence, or usefulness of
the army's attack decimated the enemy's defenses beyond repair
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of decimate
People struggled to survive in a landscape decimated by relentless bombing.
—
Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025
Florida Democrats, decimated by years of tough electoral losses, have tried to paint Republican leaders in the state who support T.P.S. for Venezuelans as disingenuous for backing Mr. Trump.
—Patricia Mazzei, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025
Outbreaks of the disease over the last three years have decimated nearly a quarter of the table egg-laying chicken population and brought the affordability and availability of eggs across the country down with it.
—Audrey Bruno, SELF, 20 Feb. 2025
One of several constrictors known to exist in the ‘glades, the python has decimated native species including rabbits, raccoons, opossums, and birds.
—Alan Clemons, Outdoor Life, 20 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for decimate
Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025
Florida Democrats, decimated by years of tough electoral losses, have tried to paint Republican leaders in the state who support T.P.S. for Venezuelans as disingenuous for backing Mr. Trump.
—Patricia Mazzei, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025
Outbreaks of the disease over the last three years have decimated nearly a quarter of the table egg-laying chicken population and brought the affordability and availability of eggs across the country down with it.
—Audrey Bruno, SELF, 20 Feb. 2025
One of several constrictors known to exist in the ‘glades, the python has decimated native species including rabbits, raccoons, opossums, and birds.
—Alan Clemons, Outdoor Life, 20 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for decimate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decimate
Verb
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Residents of states that have been impacted by this weekend's storms have posted photos online showing their homes destroyed by the tornadoes, with roofs fallen completely off, walls caved in and debris on lawns.—
Brenton Blanchet,
People.com,
16 Mar. 2025
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Taking on the role of a teenage boy named Chrono, players have to travel through time and assemble a team to stop a horrifying creature named Lavos from destroying the world.—
Hayes Madsen,
Rolling Stone,
16 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Last year, parts of the U.S. were devastated by hurricanes such as Helene and Milton.—
Marshall Shepherd,
Forbes,
16 Mar. 2025
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The Asheville area was devastated in September by Hurricane Helene, with thousands of people displaced and businesses destroyed or temporarily closed.—
Ashleigh Fields,
The Hill,
14 Mar. 2025
Verb
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However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.—
Tanasia Kenney,
Miami Herald,
11 Mar. 2025
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Alli Jo adds that the kids left school to appear on the date with Grant and the ladies, so Zoe ruined their day, too.—
Kristen Baldwin,
EW.com,
11 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Many have long since been demolished or altered beyond recognition, but some of the most beautiful have miraculously kept their original structures and decoration intact.—
The New York Times,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 Mar. 2025
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Some residential buildings have been demolished; a hole is punched into the side of a mosque; chunks of broken concrete now bare the inside of someone’s home to the outside world.—
Jeremy Diamond,
CNN,
28 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Investigators say at least seven shots were fired, damaging three cars and shattering windows.—
Chris Isidore,
CNN,
10 Mar. 2025
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The animated blockbuster, which has shattered box office records, will debut in the U.K. and Ireland on March 21, with previews beginning March 14.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
10 Mar. 2025
Verb
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With the Trop's roof wrecked by Hurricane Milton, the Rays will play at Tampa's George M. Steinbrenner Field.—
Jeff Weiner,
Axios,
10 Mar. 2025
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A lot of people get too ambitious, head to the back tees, and end up absolutely wrecked by the course.—
David Hochman,
Forbes,
7 Mar. 2025
Verb
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And being choked at the age of 80 while your face is being smashed into the ground?—
Brittny Mejia,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Mar. 2025
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Her shop’s front glass door was smashed and her point of sale system, electronics and some merchandise were taken.—
Nathan Pilling,
Kansas City Star,
5 Mar. 2025
Articles Related to decimate
Cite this Entry
“Decimate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decimate. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025.
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