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
Synonyms
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
Experts say the operations to neutralize tunnels were extremely destructive to surface infrastructure.
—
Abdel Kareem Hana and Tia Goldenberg, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2025
In addition to their destructive toll, the fires shuttered several schools, delayed major sporting events and affected awards shows.
—Antonio Pequeño Iv, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
Climate change is increasing the risk from hurricanes, driving more extreme rainfall, and making more intense and destructive wildfires more likely.
—Rachel Waldholz, NPR, 21 Jan. 2025
Plus, California fires are growing larger and more destructive in general.
—Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 21 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for destructive 
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Abdel Kareem Hana and Tia Goldenberg, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2025
In addition to their destructive toll, the fires shuttered several schools, delayed major sporting events and affected awards shows.
—Antonio Pequeño Iv, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
Climate change is increasing the risk from hurricanes, driving more extreme rainfall, and making more intense and destructive wildfires more likely.
—Rachel Waldholz, NPR, 21 Jan. 2025
Plus, California fires are growing larger and more destructive in general.
—Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 21 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for destructive
Dictionary Entries Near destructive
Cite this Entry
“Destructive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/destructive. Accessed 27 Jan. 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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