as in destroyed
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1
as in ravaged
to bring destruction to (something) through violent action
the city was devastated, first by the earthquake and then by fires
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2
as in ruined
to bring to a complete end the physical soundness, existence, or usefulness of
the explosion devastated an entire city block
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3
as in overwhelmed
to subject to incapacitating emotional or mental stress
we were devastated by the awful news of his death
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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of devastated
Maayan Lubell, Maya Gebeily, and Laila Bassam, The Christian Science Monitor, 26 Nov. 2024
About 38% of the voters of the devastated area of western North Carolina are registered as Republicans, 23% are Democrats and 38% are unaffiliated, according to Michael Bitzer, professor of politics at Catawba College in Salisbury, N.C.
—Jenny Jarvie, Los Angeles Times, 18 Oct. 2024
Alexandra Banner, CNN, 9 Dec. 2024
After deadly wildfires devastated Maui, Hawaii state lawmakers also allocated funds to the University of Hawaii to map statewide wildfire risks and improve forecasting technologies.
—Bret Baier, Fox News, 30 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for devastated 
Adjective
However, there was no indication that a truce in Lebanon would hasten a ceasefire and hostage-release deal in devastated Gaza, where Israel is battling Palestinian militant group Hamas.
—Maayan Lubell, Maya Gebeily, and Laila Bassam, The Christian Science Monitor, 26 Nov. 2024
About 38% of the voters of the devastated area of western North Carolina are registered as Republicans, 23% are Democrats and 38% are unaffiliated, according to Michael Bitzer, professor of politics at Catawba College in Salisbury, N.C.
—Jenny Jarvie, Los Angeles Times, 18 Oct. 2024
Verb
Assad and his family are known for a brutal dictatorship, which since 2011 has been devastated by a civil war that turned it into a breeding ground for the extremist group ISIS while sparking a refugee crisis that saw millions displaced from their homes.
—Alexandra Banner, CNN, 9 Dec. 2024
After deadly wildfires devastated Maui, Hawaii state lawmakers also allocated funds to the University of Hawaii to map statewide wildfire risks and improve forecasting technologies.
—Bret Baier, Fox News, 30 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for devastated
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devastated
Verb
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Fire officials say that at least seven structures were destroyed.Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 11 Dec. 2024
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Initial assessments indicate at least seven structures destroyed and eight damaged, though further evaluations are pending, said Marrone, the Los Angeles County fire chief.Hanna Park, Robert Shackelford and Mary Gilbert, CNN, 11 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Brands that create seasonal campaigns with these influencers can increase their credibility with shoppers, who are often overwhelmed by options during the holiday season.Nandan Sheth, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
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Small independent physician practices have been overwhelmed by regulatory and reporting burdens, lacking the infrastructure and technology that larger, more complex organizations have.Rita Numerof, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
Verb
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They were all punished harshly—lives ruined.Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024
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Johnny sued Amber in 2019 for defamation, claiming that the op-ed article ruined his career and took away his acting opportunities, as well as his long-standing role in Pirates of the Caribbean.Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 5 Dec. 2024
Verb
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One home with a pool was nearly demolished; another was little more than a chimney and a pile of smoldering rubble.Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 10 Dec. 2024
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After the fatal accident, the state ordered the Orlando Free Fall ride closed and it has since been demolished.Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Notre Dame, located by the River Seine in Paris, was wrecked by the blaze on April 15, 2019.Nicholas Rice, People.com, 7 Dec. 2024
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The cathedral by the River Seine in Paris, was wrecked by the blaze on April, 15, 2019.Simon Perry, People.com, 6 Dec. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Devastated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devastated. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
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