destructive
adjective
de·struc·tive
di-ˈstrək-tiv 
1
: causing destruction : ruinous
destructive storm
2
: designed or tending to hurt or destroy
destructive criticism
destructively
adverb
destructiveness
noun
Synonyms
Examples of destructive in a Sentence
It was one of the most destructive storms in recent memory.
She argued that the law was destructive of personal liberties.
The school is concerned about the destructive behavior of a few students.
Recent Examples on the Web
This controversial practice also fills critical personnel gaps, especially as California faces a future with longer and more destructive fire seasons due to climate change.
—
Jaclyn Diaz, NPR, 10 Jan. 2025
Shocking footage has captured collapsing homes and fiery winds spreading destructive embers across neighborhoods.
—Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
Since igniting on Tuesday, the Palisades Fire, which was located in the seaside area between Santa Monica and Malibu, has emerged as the most destructive natural disaster in the history of the county, with more than 17,000 acres impacted and engulfed in flames.
—Lexy Perez, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Jan. 2025
Researchers have for years been gathering evidence that climate change is creating conditions that will make wildfires increasingly more destructive.
—Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for destructive 
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Jaclyn Diaz, NPR, 10 Jan. 2025
Shocking footage has captured collapsing homes and fiery winds spreading destructive embers across neighborhoods.
—Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
Since igniting on Tuesday, the Palisades Fire, which was located in the seaside area between Santa Monica and Malibu, has emerged as the most destructive natural disaster in the history of the county, with more than 17,000 acres impacted and engulfed in flames.
—Lexy Perez, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Jan. 2025
Researchers have for years been gathering evidence that climate change is creating conditions that will make wildfires increasingly more destructive.
—Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for destructive
Dictionary Entries Near destructive
Cite this Entry
“Destructive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/destructive. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
destructive
adjective
de·struc·tive
di-ˈstrək-tiv
1
: causing destruction : ruinous
a destructive storm
2
: designed or tending to hurt or destroy
destructive criticism
destructively
adverb
destructiveness
noun
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