1
as in to ravage
to bring destruction to (something) through violent action
the city was devastated, first by the earthquake and then by fires
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to destroy
to bring to a complete end the physical soundness, existence, or usefulness of
the explosion devastated an entire city block
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to overwhelm
to subject to incapacitating emotional or mental stress
we were devastated by the awful news of his death
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of devastate
The murder on the afternoon of Jan. 20, 2021, devastated the victim’s family, who said Ozuna’s passion was dance.
—
Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 12 Mar. 2025
Without nonpartisan, professional civil servants, government dysfunction destroys the services people rely on, and corruption and financial mismanagement devastate the economy.
—Elizabeth Shackelford, Twin Cities, 12 Mar. 2025
On a previous episode of The Baldwins, Hilaria shared that when Alec first left for the Rust trial, their 11-year-old daughter Carmen was devastated.
—Hannah Sacks, People.com, 10 Mar. 2025
The series coming to an end after six seasons devastated many fans, but even as the series finale aired in June 2022, Peaky punks (Blinder-ites?) could rest easy, knowing that final closure in the form of a film was on its way.
—Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for devastate
Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 12 Mar. 2025
Without nonpartisan, professional civil servants, government dysfunction destroys the services people rely on, and corruption and financial mismanagement devastate the economy.
—Elizabeth Shackelford, Twin Cities, 12 Mar. 2025
On a previous episode of The Baldwins, Hilaria shared that when Alec first left for the Rust trial, their 11-year-old daughter Carmen was devastated.
—Hannah Sacks, People.com, 10 Mar. 2025
The series coming to an end after six seasons devastated many fans, but even as the series finale aired in June 2022, Peaky punks (Blinder-ites?) could rest easy, knowing that final closure in the form of a film was on its way.
—Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for devastate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devastate
Verb
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No broken bottle is going to keep him from ravaging his prey.—
Charles McNulty,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Mar. 2025
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Listen to this article MIAMI — For a roster jolted by the trade of Jimmy Butler and ravaged recently by injuries and absences, a constant for the Miami Heat this season has been the team’s two-way contracts.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
7 Mar. 2025
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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Flashback: Hospitals in NWA, like much of the country, were overwhelmed by the number of COVID-19 patients and struggled with staffing.—
Alex Golden,
Axios,
14 Mar. 2025
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However, Conquest overwhelms her, cleaves her jaw off and punches a hole through her stomach in mere seconds.—
Jordan Moreau,
Variety,
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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Every once in a while, a pitfall of community theater is glimpsed, but only momentarily, and here the heartfelt sense of fun overcomes any little shortcoming.—
Matthew J. Palm,
Orlando Sentinel,
7 Mar. 2025
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This Netflix documentary follows three young Brooklyn sisters who join a community track team and, through their dedication to running (and with the support of their team), strive to overcome homelessness, family trauma, and financial struggles.—
Lisa Wong Macabasco,
Vogue,
7 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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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
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Investigators say at least seven shots were fired, damaging three cars and shattering windows.—
Chris Isidore,
CNN,
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
Articles Related to devastate
Cite this Entry
“Devastate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devastate. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.
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