1
as in to vandalize
to deliberately cause the damage or destruction of another's property
the principal vowed to get the punks who defaced the statue in front of the school
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to injure
to reduce the soundness, effectiveness, or perfection of
years of wear had defaced the fine engraving on the coins
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of deface
Another mystery: After Hatshepsut’s death around 1458 B.C.E., many of her monuments and statues were destroyed or defaced.
—
Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Jan. 2025
Other activists, who have defaced famous artworks and buildings, have been arrested and charged with criminal damage and trespassing.
—Issy Ronald, CNN, 13 Jan. 2025
The mural, which depicts Liliana Segre and Sami Modiano, the last two Italian survivors of Auschwitz, was defaced multiple times and even erased by vandals.
—Rachel Wolf, Fox News, 8 Feb. 2025
The comment was deleted not long afterward, but screenshots of it were posted on social media — as were images of defaced Heartbeat Brand hats.
—Bay Area News Group, The Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deface
Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Jan. 2025
Other activists, who have defaced famous artworks and buildings, have been arrested and charged with criminal damage and trespassing.
—Issy Ronald, CNN, 13 Jan. 2025
The mural, which depicts Liliana Segre and Sami Modiano, the last two Italian survivors of Auschwitz, was defaced multiple times and even erased by vandals.
—Rachel Wolf, Fox News, 8 Feb. 2025
The comment was deleted not long afterward, but screenshots of it were posted on social media — as were images of defaced Heartbeat Brand hats.
—Bay Area News Group, The Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deface
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deface
Verb
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Other reports indicate cars have been set aflame and buildings have been vandalized in Sydney Jewish communities.—
Alexandra Koch,
Fox News,
14 Feb. 2025
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Our fact-check sources Reuters, Feb. 7, Fact Check: No George Floyd statue ever erected at National Mall, contrary to claims USA TODAY, June 25, 2021, 'Shameful': George Floyd statues, unveiled for Juneteenth, vandalized in NYC, New Jersey Thank you for supporting our journalism.—
Katie Smith,
USA TODAY,
13 Feb. 2025
Verb
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None of the 60 employees inside SPS Technologies, which manufactures fasteners mainly for the aerospace industry, was injured after explosions set off the fire.—
Saleen Martin,
USA TODAY,
20 Feb. 2025
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No one was injured during the robbery, and detectives are investigating.—
Deanese Williams-Harris,
Chicago Tribune,
19 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Baldoni countersued, accusing Lively, Reynolds and Sloane of seeking to destroy his career.—
Gene Maddaus,
Variety,
20 Feb. 2025
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Many other belongings from his tomb are believed to have been relocated due to the flooding that destroyed it.—
Francesca Aton for ArtNews,
Robb Report,
20 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The Hoover Desk During former President Herbert Hoover's presidency in 1929, a fire severely damaged the West Wing of the White House, including the Oval Office.—
Greta Cross,
USA TODAY,
22 Feb. 2025
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Despite initially being told his bone had been damaged and his arm would probably need to be amputated, doctors managed to save it.—
Becca Longmire,
People.com,
21 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The Crimson Tide have won their last seven games, most recently demolishing Texas 103-80 on Tuesday.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
15 Feb. 2025
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The plan was to demolish the old office building at 85 Gracechurch Street in the heart of London’s financial district and construct a new 32-story tower in its place.—
Eli Wizevich,
Smithsonian Magazine,
14 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Audio issues occasionally marred the broadcast, including brief interruptions of Fonda’s speech.—
Jake Coyle,
Orlando Sentinel,
24 Feb. 2025
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But a New York Times analysis of the $55 billion in savings claimed by DOGE found that the math is marred with accounting errors, incorrect assumptions, outdated data and other mistakes.—
Talmon Joseph Smith,
New York Times,
22 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Ancient people weren't about to let these pests ruin their crops or their lives.—
Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi,
Discover Magazine,
14 Feb. 2025
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The film ends with Ross going full Red Hulk in the White House Rose Garden (oops), nearly ruining his legacy (Sterns’ real prize) and ultimately forcing him to admit his wrongdoing, give up his office, and head to The Raft to serve an undetermined amount of time in the floating prison.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
14 Feb. 2025
Verb
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About six weeks ago, hackers crippled the computer systems of the TV and mobile phone provider Dish Network.—
Shira Ovide,
Washington Post,
4 Apr. 2023
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Oakland Mills Coach: Chris Brewington Last season: Class 2A state champion Outlook: Losing the talent Oakland Mills did from last year’s outdoor season would cripple most programs, but the Scorpions have reloaded.—
Anthony Maluso,
Baltimore Sun,
22 Mar. 2023
Cite this Entry
“Deface.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deface. Accessed 1 Mar. 2025.
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