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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
The disaster killed at least 14 people and destroyed nearby businesses and buildings.
—
Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2025
But the construction will cut off access to a recreational area for months while destroying century-old trees and disrupting wildlife, according to the lawsuit stemming from Sacramento residents with the nonprofits Save the American River Association and American River Trees.
—Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 8 Nov. 2025
Entire towns have been emptied, families torn apart and generations destroyed.
—NPR, 8 Nov. 2025
And this one man destroyed everything.
—Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 8 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for destroy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for destroy
Verb
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And, from this week’s issue, Nicola Twilley’s reporting on another lingering effect of the wildfires—smoke taint that is ruining grapes and threatening California’s wine industry.—
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This will either change your life or ruin you.—
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Dysentery and scurvy ravaged the vessel, killing or incapacitating many on board.—
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Nineteens went to the right flank, near where the Kinneloa Fire had ravaged that neighborhood in 1993.—
Verb
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Most of the strikes occur in the summer, killing 20 people each year, according to the NWS.—
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Four people were killed over a four-day period in crashes on Arkansas highways, according to preliminary Arkansas State Police reports.—
Verb
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It is designed to mirror the East Wing addition after the previous building was demolished last year.—
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In order to do so, the city has to acquire the land and purchase the properties — valued at $22 million total — and demolish them, causing several businesses to close or relocate to make way for the project.—
Verb
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Group members want to see Bonta’s office take ownership of a review, as occurred in Hawaii after Maui’s devastating Lahaina fire.—
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The regime’s regional proxies have been devastated.—
Verb
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Monday is a chance to slay some of their infamous medal round demons.—
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Stranger Things slayed at helping revive Eighties culture and music throughout its run, especially with its song choices.—
Verb
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The Creature is slowed, however, when gunfire shatters the ice around its feet, plunging it into the cold sea.—
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Troconis’ case for being a cooperating witness was shattered when Dulos died after attempting to commit suicide in January 2020, Bowman testified.—
Verb
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Guardiola’s lads look back to their best in the early months of this season after the extended wobble in the previous one that wrecked their hopes of a fifth straight domestic title.—
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Phillips croons about a mother’s bond with her child as Swinton walks off, her character freshly wrecked by a visit with her son in prison.—
Cite this Entry
“Destroy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/destroy. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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