1
as in to vandalize
to deliberately cause the damage or destruction of another's property
the principal vowed to get the punks who defaced the statue in front of the school
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to injure
to reduce the soundness, effectiveness, or perfection of
years of wear had defaced the fine engraving on the coins
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of deface
Anti-Black slogans and swastikas defaced a Jewish center, a church, a school and a freeway underpass in 1961.
—
Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 24 Jan. 2025
In Sydney, a synagogue was defaced with red swastikas spray painted along the fence, while a day care center was torched and scrawled with antisemitic slurs under the cover of night.
—Victoria Kim, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2025
Two climate protesters defaced Charles Darwin’s grave at London’s Westminster Abbey on Monday, spray painting a pointed message about global warming that has led to criminal charges.
—Leslie Katz, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
The grave of British naturalist Charles Darwin was defaced by climate activists from the Just Stop Oil group at London’s Westminster Abbey.
—Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 13 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for deface 
Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 24 Jan. 2025
In Sydney, a synagogue was defaced with red swastikas spray painted along the fence, while a day care center was torched and scrawled with antisemitic slurs under the cover of night.
—Victoria Kim, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2025
Two climate protesters defaced Charles Darwin’s grave at London’s Westminster Abbey on Monday, spray painting a pointed message about global warming that has led to criminal charges.
—Leslie Katz, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
The grave of British naturalist Charles Darwin was defaced by climate activists from the Just Stop Oil group at London’s Westminster Abbey.
—Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 13 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for deface
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deface
Verb
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Other reports indicate cars have been set aflame and buildings have been vandalized in Sydney Jewish communities.—
Alexandra Koch,
Fox News,
14 Feb. 2025
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Our fact-check sources Reuters, Feb. 7, Fact Check: No George Floyd statue ever erected at National Mall, contrary to claims USA TODAY, June 25, 2021, 'Shameful': George Floyd statues, unveiled for Juneteenth, vandalized in NYC, New Jersey Thank you for supporting our journalism.—
Katie Smith,
USA TODAY,
13 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The pilot and co-pilot were killed, the São Paulo state military police told Newsweek, and two people on the street where the aircraft crashed were injured.—
Kristan Hawkins,
Newsweek,
7 Feb. 2025
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The victim was not seriously injured in the attack, but sought treatment at an area hospital.—
Elizabeth Keogh,
New York Daily News,
7 Feb. 2025
Verb
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In addition to Meester and Brody, Cameron Mathison, Anna Faris, Ricki Lake, Cary Elwes and Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag were among the stars who confirmed that their homes were also destroyed.—
Stephanie Wenger,
People.com,
8 Feb. 2025
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The storm destroyed every structure on the island, wiping out the concert stage, tiki bar, giant slide and food truck.—
Gabrielle Calise Tampa Bay Times (TNS),
arkansasonline.com,
8 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The freeze on foreign aid, for example, is already damaging the network of groups the federal government relies on to deliver overseas assistance, according to Scott R. Anderson, a former U.S. diplomat and government attorney now at the Brookings Institution.—
Josh Meyer,
USA TODAY,
10 Feb. 2025
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Sudden weather shifts have become more frequent, and winter freeze-and-thaw cycles can damage plants as much as bitter cold.—
Beth Botts,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The Crimson Tide have won their last seven games, most recently demolishing Texas 103-80 on Tuesday.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
15 Feb. 2025
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The plan was to demolish the old office building at 85 Gracechurch Street in the heart of London’s financial district and construct a new 32-story tower in its place.—
Eli Wizevich,
Smithsonian Magazine,
14 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Passes for the shows in the U.K. and Ireland went on sale in August 2024, but the on-sale process was marred by long delays and the use of dynamic pricing model, which meant that ticket prices were higher for some fans than expected.—
Thomas Smith,
Billboard,
10 Feb. 2025
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Apart from losing the popular ballot by about three million votes, Trump’s victory was marred by comical levels of scandal.—
Brady Brickner-Wood,
The New Yorker,
5 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The film ends with Ross going full Red Hulk in the White House Rose Garden (oops), nearly ruining his legacy (Sterns’ real prize) and ultimately forcing him to admit his wrongdoing, give up his office, and head to The Raft to serve an undetermined amount of time in the floating prison.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
14 Feb. 2025
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Ancient people weren't about to let these pests ruin their crops or their lives.—
Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi,
Discover Magazine,
14 Feb. 2025
Verb
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About six weeks ago, hackers crippled the computer systems of the TV and mobile phone provider Dish Network.—
Shira Ovide,
Washington Post,
4 Apr. 2023
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Oakland Mills Coach: Chris Brewington Last season: Class 2A state champion Outlook: Losing the talent Oakland Mills did from last year’s outdoor season would cripple most programs, but the Scorpions have reloaded.—
Anthony Maluso,
Baltimore Sun,
22 Mar. 2023
Thesaurus Entries Near deface
Cite this Entry
“Deface.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deface. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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