destructive
adjective
de·struc·tive
di-ˈstrək-tiv 
1
: causing destruction : ruinous
destructive storm
2
: designed or tending to hurt or destroy
destructive criticism
destructively
adverb
destructiveness
noun
Examples of destructive in a Sentence
It was one of the most destructive storms in recent memory.
She argued that the law was destructive of personal liberties.
The school is concerned about the destructive behavior of a few students.
Recent Examples on the Web
Plus, a fire’s destructive nature can mean that the cause remains unknown even after an investigation.
—
Blake Nelson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Mar. 2025
His growling vocal lays out this destructive storyline over driving, rustic acoustics, evoking a unfiltered, country-rock vibe.
—Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 10 Mar. 2025
Tens of thousands of residents were forced to flee and thousands of structures were affected in the most destructive firestorm in city history.
—Janine Henni, People.com, 10 Mar. 2025
From multi-vortex tornadoes to massive wedge storms, this 2024 film treats the weather itself like a character—unpredictable, destructive and, sometimes, awe-inspiring.
—Travis Bean, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for destructive
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Blake Nelson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Mar. 2025
His growling vocal lays out this destructive storyline over driving, rustic acoustics, evoking a unfiltered, country-rock vibe.
—Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 10 Mar. 2025
Tens of thousands of residents were forced to flee and thousands of structures were affected in the most destructive firestorm in city history.
—Janine Henni, People.com, 10 Mar. 2025
From multi-vortex tornadoes to massive wedge storms, this 2024 film treats the weather itself like a character—unpredictable, destructive and, sometimes, awe-inspiring.
—Travis Bean, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for destructive
Cite this Entry
“Destructive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/destructive. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
destructive
adjective
de·struc·tive
di-ˈstrək-tiv
1
: causing destruction : ruinous
a destructive storm
2
: designed or tending to hurt or destroy
destructive criticism
destructively
adverb
destructiveness
noun
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