1
as in to ruin
to bring to a complete end the physical soundness, existence, or usefulness of
they practically destroyed the safe in order to get at the money inside their poor scores on the final exam destroyed any chance they might have had to pass the course
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to ravage
to bring destruction to (something) through violent action
wildfires destroyed thousands of acres in forests across the state
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to kill
to deprive of life
regrettably, the veterinarian was forced to destroy the injured horse
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of destroy
With three ranching family dynasties locked in a contest for control of the land, their lives and legacies are threatened by outside forces intent on destroying their way of life.
—
Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 27 Mar. 2025
Paul Kim, 36, was arrested Wednesday and charged with multiple state felonies, including three counts of arson, three counts of possession of an explosive device, five counts of shooting into a car and four counts of destroying personal property, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said.
—David K. Li, NBC news, 27 Mar. 2025
In January, Jackson confirmed that his home in L.A.’s Topanga neighborhood burned down in the fires, which destroyed thousands of structures and left many residents displaced.
—Bailey Richards, People.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Plutarch questions the tributes’ submission to an authoritarian government and even covertly aids Haymitch’s ambitious plan to destroy the arena.
—Jessica Wang, EW.com, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for destroy
Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 27 Mar. 2025
Paul Kim, 36, was arrested Wednesday and charged with multiple state felonies, including three counts of arson, three counts of possession of an explosive device, five counts of shooting into a car and four counts of destroying personal property, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said.
—David K. Li, NBC news, 27 Mar. 2025
In January, Jackson confirmed that his home in L.A.’s Topanga neighborhood burned down in the fires, which destroyed thousands of structures and left many residents displaced.
—Bailey Richards, People.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Plutarch questions the tributes’ submission to an authoritarian government and even covertly aids Haymitch’s ambitious plan to destroy the arena.
—Jessica Wang, EW.com, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for destroy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for destroy
Verb
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However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.—
Simone Jasper,
Miami Herald,
4 Apr. 2025
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The problem lies once kids become tech savvy and a simple Google search can ruin the fun.—
Melissa Willets,
Parents,
4 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Myanmar, which has been facing tough times since the military coup in 2021—as well as being ravaged by a recent earthquake—faces 44 percent tariffs.—
Mayu Saini,
Sourcing Journal,
7 Apr. 2025
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Very loosely based on the novel The Incredible Tide by Alexander Key, Future Boy Conan deals with the titular boy Conan in a future world ravaged by the aftermath of a global war.—
Ollie Barder,
Forbes.com,
5 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Rick kills one of the security men, as Chelsea is shot in the chest.—
Colleen Kratofil,
People.com,
7 Apr. 2025
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Then in the third period, once again killing a penalty with the Canadiens clinging to a 2-1 lead, and just after Sam Montembeault made a series of saves on Sean Couturier to maintain that lead, Suzuki added to it with the winning goal.—
Arpon Basu,
New York Times,
6 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The station shares a name with Spurs’ former home, which overlapped this site and was demolished as the modern structure, which opened in April 2019, was built.—
Caoimhe O'Neill,
New York Times,
7 Apr. 2025
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Though the interior of the building was demolished, the Art Deco facade was and is still considered a historical landmark and remains intact.—
Harrison Richlin,
IndieWire,
6 Apr. 2025
Verb
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This decision devastated Ajax, whose honor and ego were deeply wounded.—
Antonis Kocheilas,
Forbes.com,
27 Mar. 2025
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The floods have devastated local economies and communities.—
Alan Taylor,
The Atlantic,
27 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Now, residents of Gaza and the West Bank are at the mercy of Israeli military operations in which fighters and civilians are being slain at staggering rates.—
Newsweek Staff,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Apr. 2025
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Blumhouse’s slaying doll returns to domestic cinemas on June 27.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
2 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Over the past year, women’s sports have shattered viewership records.—
Cheryl Robinson,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
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Israeli military’s response resumed last month, shattering a ceasefire.—
Justin Spike,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Part of the franchise’s challenge is to incorporate Leonard without wrecking team chemistry.—
Fluto Shinzawa,
New York Times,
2 Apr. 2025
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At least 6 people were killed in the storms in multiple states as destructive winds wrecked cars, tore down powerlines and sent people scrambling.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Destroy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/destroy. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
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