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ravage 1 of 2

Definition of ravagenext

ravage

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb ravage contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of ravage are despoil, devastate, pillage, sack, and waste. While all these words mean "to lay waste by plundering or destroying," ravage implies violent often cumulative depredation and destruction.

a hurricane ravaged the coast

When would despoil be a good substitute for ravage?

In some situations, the words despoil and ravage are roughly equivalent. However, despoil applies to looting or robbing without suggesting accompanying destruction.

the Nazis despoiled the art museums

When is it sensible to use devastate instead of ravage?

While the synonyms devastate and ravage are close in meaning, devastate implies the complete ruin and desolation of a wide area.

an earthquake devastated the city

How are the words pillage and sack related as synonyms of ravage?

Pillage implies ruthless plundering at will but without the completeness suggested by sack.

settlements pillaged by Vikings

Where would sack be a reasonable alternative to ravage?

The meanings of sack and ravage largely overlap; however, sack implies carrying off all valuable possessions from a place.

barbarians sacked ancient Rome

In what contexts can waste take the place of ravage?

While in some cases nearly identical to ravage, waste may imply producing the same result by a slow process rather than sudden and violent action.

years of drought had wasted the area

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of ravage
Verb
Being homeless was perceived, by themselves and by others, as an individual failure, the result of a series of poor choices, ignoring the fact that a tech boom had priced many people out of their homes and a drug epidemic had ravaged many parts of the city. Saumya Roy, The Dial, 6 Jan. 2026 Injuries ravaged the roster, especially the defensive line, and the unit’s shortcomings were exposed early. Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026 In communities ravaged by Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids, concealment has become a survival strategy. Jennifer Obel, Chicago Tribune, 5 Jan. 2026 Denver Broncos at Empower Field* Broncos coach Sean Payton will have been waiting three years for this game, his Broncos having been ravaged for 70 points in Miami Gardens in 2023 the most recent time the teams played. Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 5 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ravage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ravage
Verb
  • So, automation can be used to destroy labor or workers’ power, but it can also be used in the opposite direction.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Homes, businesses and synagogues were destroyed.
    Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 9 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • But Haynes reminds her church flock to respond with love to the ravaging of their inclusive gesture.
    PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2025
  • The question of whether or not Uniqlo is fast fashion or sustainable fashion or ethical fashion has perhaps become irrelevant in a world in which fashion—no modifier needed—is increasingly culpable for the ravaging of the planet.
    Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Group members want to see Bonta’s office take ownership of a review, as occurred in Hawaii after Maui’s devastating Lahaina fire.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2026
  • The regime’s regional proxies have been devastated.
    Bobby Ghosh, Time, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The coaches also decided King’s wrecking-ball approach was effective.
    Seth Emerson, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025
  • The addresses listed in the wrecking permits border the east of the truck plant where Ford makes its iconic Super Duty trucks, Expedition SUVs and luxury Lincoln Navigators.
    Olivia Evans, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • 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.
    Dana Goodyear, New Yorker, 7 Jan. 2026
  • This will either change your life or ruin you.
    Outside Online, Outside Online, 7 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Since the boycott, PEN has donated to Palestinian aid organizations, highlighted writers and journalists who have been targeted and killed by Israel, and released a report on the deliberate destruction of Palestinian cultural heritage.
    James Folta, Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Consumers and retailers should destroy affected products and not return them, as Gold Star will issue refunds with proof of destruction.
    Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 5 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • He was charged with dozens more counts of criminal mischief, burglary, intentional desecration of a venerated object and other crimes.
    Emma Caughlan, NBC news, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Gerlach has been charged with 26 counts of burglary and criminal trespassing, in addition to abuse of a corpse and desecration and theft or sale of venerated objects.
    Alexandra Simon, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Advertisement What’s perhaps most critical around the plague is its embodiment of feelings of destruction and ruination.
    Nathan Smith, Time, 26 Nov. 2025
  • By now, my colleagues have grown accustomed to my gleeful ruination of the workplace.
    Ariel Dumas, New Yorker, 14 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ravage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ravage. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on ravage

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