1
as in to ruin
to bring to a complete end the physical soundness, existence, or usefulness of
they practically destroyed the safe in order to get at the money inside their poor scores on the final exam destroyed any chance they might have had to pass the course
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to ravage
to bring destruction to (something) through violent action
wildfires destroyed thousands of acres in forests across the state
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to kill
to deprive of life
regrettably, the veterinarian was forced to destroy the injured horse
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of destroy
With three ranching family dynasties locked in a contest for control of the land, their lives and legacies are threatened by outside forces intent on destroying their way of life.
—
Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 27 Mar. 2025
Paul Kim, 36, was arrested Wednesday and charged with multiple state felonies, including three counts of arson, three counts of possession of an explosive device, five counts of shooting into a car and four counts of destroying personal property, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said.
—David K. Li, NBC news, 27 Mar. 2025
In January, Jackson confirmed that his home in L.A.’s Topanga neighborhood burned down in the fires, which destroyed thousands of structures and left many residents displaced.
—Bailey Richards, People.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Plutarch questions the tributes’ submission to an authoritarian government and even covertly aids Haymitch’s ambitious plan to destroy the arena.
—Jessica Wang, EW.com, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for destroy
Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 27 Mar. 2025
Paul Kim, 36, was arrested Wednesday and charged with multiple state felonies, including three counts of arson, three counts of possession of an explosive device, five counts of shooting into a car and four counts of destroying personal property, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said.
—David K. Li, NBC news, 27 Mar. 2025
In January, Jackson confirmed that his home in L.A.’s Topanga neighborhood burned down in the fires, which destroyed thousands of structures and left many residents displaced.
—Bailey Richards, People.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Plutarch questions the tributes’ submission to an authoritarian government and even covertly aids Haymitch’s ambitious plan to destroy the arena.
—Jessica Wang, EW.com, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for destroy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for destroy
Verb
-
However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.—
Simone Jasper,
Miami Herald,
4 Apr. 2025
-
An attorney representing former Santa Clara Vice Mayor Anthony Becker is asking a county judge to give the ex-official probation — not jail time — arguing that his conviction late last year has already damaged his reputation and ruined his career, according to a new court filing.—
Grace Hase,
Mercury News,
4 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Myanmar, which has been facing tough times since the military coup in 2021—as well as being ravaged by a recent earthquake—faces 44 percent tariffs.—
Mayu Saini,
Sourcing Journal,
7 Apr. 2025
-
Abroad, the killings have tanked the new authorities’ hopes of legitimizing their rule before the international community and of ending sanctions on a country ravaged by nearly 14 years of civil war.—
Nabih Bulos,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Rick kills one of the security men, as Chelsea is shot in the chest.—
Colleen Kratofil,
People.com,
7 Apr. 2025
-
Then in the third period, once again killing a penalty with the Canadiens clinging to a 2-1 lead, and just after Sam Montembeault made a series of saves on Sean Couturier to maintain that lead, Suzuki added to it with the winning goal.—
Arpon Basu,
New York Times,
6 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The city never demolished the building.—
Desiree Mathurin,
Charlotte Observer,
25 Mar. 2025
-
The city did not share if the pool would be demolished, nor what is planned for the site.—
Eleanor Nash,
Kansas City Star,
23 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
On March 6, Sadia Raja was devastated to learn from a neighbor that her pet of 3 1/2 years, Carrot, was killed by a speeding car near her home in the Italian Villages section of Coral Gables, a historic neighborhood near Coral Gables Senior High inspired by Italian farm houses.—
Devoun Cetoute,
Miami Herald,
14 Mar. 2025
-
The deadly storm devastated parts of Western North Carolina with storm damage and catastrophic flooding.—
Simone Jasper,
Charlotte Observer,
14 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Now, residents of Gaza and the West Bank are at the mercy of Israeli military operations in which fighters and civilians are being slain at staggering rates.—
Newsweek Staff,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Apr. 2025
-
Blumhouse’s slaying doll returns to domestic cinemas on June 27.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
2 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Over the past year, women’s sports have shattered viewership records.—
Cheryl Robinson,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
-
Come October, the sound of a puck skimming across ice and players crashing into the boards surrounding a hockey rink may shatter the 2 1/2-year silence.—
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
3 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Part of the franchise’s challenge is to incorporate Leonard without wrecking team chemistry.—
Fluto Shinzawa,
New York Times,
2 Apr. 2025
-
At least 6 people were killed in the storms in multiple states as destructive winds wrecked cars, tore down powerlines and sent people scrambling.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Destroy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/destroy. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share