1
as in devastating
causing or tending to cause destruction
the destructive storm blew down trees all over town, and blew the roof off our neighbor's house
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2
as in disastrous
bringing about ruin or misfortune
technology used for destructive ends
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Examples of destructive in a Sentence
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Recent Examples on the Web
The Midwest is billed as a climate haven insulated from worsening destructive forces like wildfires and hurricanes — but experts say our region still has ample work to do in responding to our climate change effects.
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Sam Allard, Axios, 16 Oct. 2024
More creative means are needed, and in recent years, ecologists have turned to novel ways to stop destructive species.
—Discover Magazine, 14 Oct. 2024
Through warming ocean and air temperatures, climate change makes hurricanes like Helene and Milton more destructive — and more likely to rapidly intensify all the way through landfall.
—Zachary Basu, Axios, 12 Oct. 2024
Among his awards were several for technology used to study Hurricane Katrina's destructive winds in 2005.
—CBS News, 11 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for destructive 
Sam Allard, Axios, 16 Oct. 2024
More creative means are needed, and in recent years, ecologists have turned to novel ways to stop destructive species.
—Discover Magazine, 14 Oct. 2024
Through warming ocean and air temperatures, climate change makes hurricanes like Helene and Milton more destructive — and more likely to rapidly intensify all the way through landfall.
—Zachary Basu, Axios, 12 Oct. 2024
Among his awards were several for technology used to study Hurricane Katrina's destructive winds in 2005.
—CBS News, 11 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for destructive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for destructive
Adjective
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But Iran's leadership also knows that such a move will invite an even more devastating Israeli response.Nina Turner, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024
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In addition to the direct and devastating impacts that keep people out of work, weather events also impact the BLS’ ability to collect data from businesses and households.Alicia Wallace, CNN, 31 Oct. 2024
Adjective
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A week after a disastrous last-second loss at Washington, they got steamrolled 29-9 by the Arizona Cardinals, adding to the mounting list of poor road performances under coach Matt Eberflus.Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 4 Nov. 2024
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The vice president ascended to the top of the Democratic ticket after Biden’s disastrous performance in a June debate set into motion his withdrawing from the race.Bill Barrow, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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Mongolian Groom suffered a fatal injury to his left-hind leg at the top of the stretch in the biggest Breeders’ Cup race, the Classic.John Cherwa, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2024
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Differing accounts of the incident While there is no doubt that Penny's actions led to Neely's death on May 1, 2023, witness accounts differ regarding the events that led up to Penny applying the fatal chokehold, according to various sources.Kiara Alfonseca, ABC News, 1 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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In recent years, however, Sedona’s storyline has taken an unfortunate (though not unwarranted) hit.Erin Strout, Outside Online, 11 Nov. 2024
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In his career, Mike Tyson has been known more for his fists and his unfortunate body art choices than his punditry.Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 3 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near destructive
Cite this Entry
“Destructive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/destructive. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.
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