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
While the image of the pope was not damaged, vandals defaced the Stars of David on the three Holocaust survivors.
—
Rachel Wolf, Fox News, 8 Feb. 2025
Vandalism against Tesla vehicles and showrooms is on the rise, with dealerships in multiple countries being defaced with graffiti condemning Musk.
—Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 15 Feb. 2025
Trump upon taking office pardoned people convicted in connection with the Jan. 6 insurrection, many of whom had pleaded guilty or been convicted or defacing or damaging the Capitol, which itself is a National Historic Landmark and contains multiple statues and other displays.
—Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY, 7 Feb. 2025
In May, for example, a Brooklyn man was charged with attempting to run down a group of Orthodox Jews with his car; only two weeks later, someone defaced the façade of Park Avenue Synagogue on East 87th Street with pro-Palestinian graffiti.
—Larry Luxner, Sun Sentinel, 30 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deface
Rachel Wolf, Fox News, 8 Feb. 2025
Vandalism against Tesla vehicles and showrooms is on the rise, with dealerships in multiple countries being defaced with graffiti condemning Musk.
—Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 15 Feb. 2025
Trump upon taking office pardoned people convicted in connection with the Jan. 6 insurrection, many of whom had pleaded guilty or been convicted or defacing or damaging the Capitol, which itself is a National Historic Landmark and contains multiple statues and other displays.
—Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY, 7 Feb. 2025
In May, for example, a Brooklyn man was charged with attempting to run down a group of Orthodox Jews with his car; only two weeks later, someone defaced the façade of Park Avenue Synagogue on East 87th Street with pro-Palestinian graffiti.
—Larry Luxner, Sun Sentinel, 30 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deface
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deface
Verb
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Greek authorities arrested Nikos Papadopoulos, a far-right MP with the Niki party, after artworks in Athens’s National Gallery were vandalized.—
Alex Greenberger,
ARTnews.com,
12 Mar. 2025
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The dip comes as Tesla dealerships are vandalized around the world in response to Musk’s attempts to slash government spending as the de facto head of DOGE, an unofficial department within the Office of Management and Budget.—
David Matthews,
New York Daily News,
10 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The most high-profile attack claimed by ISIS in 2024 was the devastating assault on a Moscow shopping mall in March, which left at least 150 dead and more than 500 injured.—
Mary Kay Mallonee,
CNN,
15 Mar. 2025
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Officials in Arkansas said Saturday morning that three people died in Independence County and 29 others were injured across eight counties as storms passed through the state overnight.—
Bruce Shipkowski,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Residents of states that have been impacted by this weekend's storms have posted photos online showing their homes destroyed by the tornadoes, with roofs fallen completely off, walls caved in and debris on lawns.—
Brenton Blanchet,
People.com,
16 Mar. 2025
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Tornadoes pose a severe risk to life and property, with their powerful winds capable of destroying homes, overturning vehicles, and uprooting trees.—
Mark Davis,
Newsweek,
16 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Driving through deep water can also damage a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
17 Mar. 2025
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An Oregon Tesla dealership was shot up this month, damaging multiple cars and shattering windows.—
Alexandra Koch,
Fox News,
17 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Many have long since been demolished or altered beyond recognition, but some of the most beautiful have miraculously kept their original structures and decoration intact.—
The New York Times,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 Mar. 2025
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Most of the historic neighborhood theater buildings were either demolished or destroyed by fire, often replaced by parking lots or highways.—
Michael Wells,
Kansas City Star,
28 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Rodgers was cut by the New York Jets earlier this year following two seasons marred by an achilles injury and 6-12 overall record as the team’s starting quarterback.—
Sean Neumann,
People.com,
20 Mar. 2025
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For Harris and his teammates, March Madness presents an opportunity for redemption after a season marred by a dozen losses.—
Shreyas Laddha,
Kansas City Star,
19 Mar. 2025
Verb
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However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.—
Tanasia Kenney,
Miami Herald,
11 Mar. 2025
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During the 2020 election campaign, Trump said the AFFH rule would ruin the suburbs by forcing more affordable housing.—
Nathaniel Meyersohn,
CNN,
11 Mar. 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
Cite this Entry
“Deface.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deface. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.
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