wreck 1 of 2

Definition of wrecknext
1
as in wreckage
the portion or bits of something left over or behind after it has been destroyed found the wreck of the ship lying on the floor of the ocean

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2
as in wrecking
the destruction or loss of a ship the wreck cost the insurance company millions of dollars

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3
as in collision
the violent coming together of two bodies into destructive contact a dangerous stretch of roadway that has been the scene of numerous car wrecks

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wreck

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to scuttle
to cause irreparable damage to (a ship) by running aground or sinking many an unwary captain has wrecked his ship on the shoals that surround the island

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2
as in to ruin
to bring to a complete end the physical soundness, existence, or usefulness of most of the furniture on the ground floor was wrecked by the floodwaters

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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 wreck
Noun
The wreck occurred in Spartanburg County on the night of Friday, June 5, according to NBC affiliate WYFF and CBS affiliate WSPA, citing the South Carolina Highway Patrol. Abigail Adams, PEOPLE, 8 June 2026 Based on evidence gathered during the investigation, investigators believe only one person was in the truck that crashed into the river, and all other individuals in the wreck have been accounted for. Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 7 June 2026
Verb
And for the first time this season, the cars wrecked completely flat-out; with no long straights and plenty of braking zones, the cars were not energy-limited for once this season. Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 8 June 2026 The kind of game-wrecking force that the Rams enjoyed playing behind during Aaron Donald’s tenure, and one the defense has missed since Donald’s retirement prior to the 2024 season. Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for wreck
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wreck
Noun
  • As more and more outlets pick up the footage Daniel has protected throughout the movie, there are glimpses of spaceships falling through the sky and their wreckage.
    Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026
  • The Idaho Transportation Department has reopened a state highway that was closed nearly a month ago when a midair fighter jet collision during an air show at Mountain Home Air Force Base left aircraft wreckage on the roadway.
    Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 11 June 2026
Noun
  • At least, there was a lot less wrecking.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 13 Feb. 2026
  • The Ravens haven’t really had that game-wrecking pass rusher since Terrell Suggs was in his prime.
    The Athletic NFL Staff, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The Irvine Police Department arrested a 25-year-old man accused of a deadly hit-and-run collision on Wednesday.
    Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 13 June 2026
  • The current number of near-collisions is tough to pin down, as FAA data on drone-aircraft encounters is limited and difficult to verify.
    Katie Nadworny, Travel + Leisure, 12 June 2026
Verb
  • The rationale was that any war Israel fought would inflame popular anti-Israeli sentiment in the Arab and Muslim world, scuttling the Abraham Accords as Arab governments would withdraw out of fear of backlash.
    Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
  • By 1992, more than $50 million had been spent in restoration and renovation, but the project was scuttled by a bankruptcy.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026
Verb
  • The Spurs rose up and ruined that party, winning their only game of the series.
    Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 14 June 2026
  • Historically, barrels of Madeira spent months crossing tropical oceans aboard ships, and merchants realized that the heat actually improved the wine rather than ruining it.
    Emily Price, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026
Noun
  • Stay away from windows as flying debris generated by damaging winds can be deadly.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 12 June 2026
  • The weather service also urged people to avoid windows, and if outdoors, in a mobile home or in a vehicle to seek the closest substantial shelter and to protect themselves from flying debris.
    Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 11 June 2026
Noun
  • Both crash to the floor with a loud clatter.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
  • The crash is under investigation.
    Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 11 June 2026
Verb
  • In Lord of the Flies by William Golding, young boys gradually become feral and sadistic when trapped on an island together, and in Shakespeare’s The Tempest, Prospero magically shipwrecks his brother and his allies so that they will all be exiled together under his watch.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 May 2026
  • Unique experiences include shipwreck scuba diving in the Straits of Mackinac and checking out the sights from the stunning Castle Rock viewpoint.
    Katy Spratte Joyce, Travel + Leisure, 9 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Wreck.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wreck. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.

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