as in defunct
no longer existing
a few overgrown ruins are all that remain of that once mighty but now extinct civilization
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Recent Examples of extinct
Maryland leaders are considering a bill that would make the extinct megalodon the official state shark.
—
Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 23 Mar. 2026
Today, bison are considered ecologically extinct, unable to fulfil their role as keystone species in maintaining the health of grassland landscapes.
—Shi En Kim, AZCentral.com, 20 Mar. 2026
The Bolaven Plateau is a place where remnants of ancient volcanic activity, such as lava cliffs and extinct volcanic craters, coexist with lush natural landscapes that feature breathtaking waterfalls, deep gorges, and dramatic riverscapes.
—Jasmine Ting, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Mar. 2026
Some were even available as four-door convertibles — a nearly extinct genre.
—Jason Fogelson, AJC.com, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for extinct
Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 23 Mar. 2026
Today, bison are considered ecologically extinct, unable to fulfil their role as keystone species in maintaining the health of grassland landscapes.
—Shi En Kim, AZCentral.com, 20 Mar. 2026
The Bolaven Plateau is a place where remnants of ancient volcanic activity, such as lava cliffs and extinct volcanic craters, coexist with lush natural landscapes that feature breathtaking waterfalls, deep gorges, and dramatic riverscapes.
—Jasmine Ting, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Mar. 2026
Some were even available as four-door convertibles — a nearly extinct genre.
—Jason Fogelson, AJC.com, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for extinct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extinct
Adjective
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After his retirement, Ronaldo bought ownership in several soccer clubs, including the now-defunct Fort Lauderdale Strikers.—
Catherine Odom,
Miami Herald,
31 Mar. 2026
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Rebecca Rusheen has joined CAA as an agent in the Creators division following stints at Gersh and the now-defunct A3 Artists Agency.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Room by room, the author takes us through the house, now long gone.—
Mary Ann Grossmann,
Twin Cities,
8 Feb. 2026
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Retaining Hall, 39, keeps one familiar face from Dart’s rookie year on the offensive side of the building for his second NFL season, with Brian Daboll, Mike Kafka and Shea Tierney all long gone.—
Pat Leonard,
New York Daily News,
31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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According to the dermatologist, using expired sunscreen can leave your skin vulnerable to sun damage and increase your risk of irritation or infection if the bottle has been contaminated.—
Maria Sabella,
Better Homes & Gardens,
31 Mar. 2026
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Authorities also say Gonzalez had an expired fishing license.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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So Apple got to work making its biggest success obsolete.—
Lisa Eadicicco,
CNN Money,
1 Apr. 2026
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His lab continues to investigate diffuse gastric cancer, with the hope of developing a treatment or drug that makes a total gastrectomy obsolete.—
Sarah Zhang,
The Atlantic,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Extinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extinct. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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