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
Climate change’s role Hurricanes are a far more destructive force in Florida than wildfires, which destroy many more properties in western states than in the Sunshine State.
—
Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 22 Mar. 2025
Present bias is the trait of being unable to muster the willpower to avoid destructive buy now, pay later behavior.
—Hersh Shefrin, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
The situation has reached crisis levels since 2017, with California suffering its nine largest fires and also its four most destructive fires on record.
—Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2025
Her character is duplicated by a robot doppelgänger designed to incite violence, creating a powerful duality that represents both the potential for peaceful resolution and destructive chaos in the film’s exploration of class struggle.
—Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for destructive
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Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 22 Mar. 2025
Present bias is the trait of being unable to muster the willpower to avoid destructive buy now, pay later behavior.
—Hersh Shefrin, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
The situation has reached crisis levels since 2017, with California suffering its nine largest fires and also its four most destructive fires on record.
—Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2025
Her character is duplicated by a robot doppelgänger designed to incite violence, creating a powerful duality that represents both the potential for peaceful resolution and destructive chaos in the film’s exploration of class struggle.
—Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 19 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 31 Mar. 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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