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
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
The fire burned simultaneously with the similarly destructive Eaton Fire in Altadena and other communities in the foothills of the nearby San Gabriel Mountains.
—
Daily News,
4 July 2026
The Declaration champions the right to alter or abolish government destructive of life, liberty, and happiness.
—
Brian Delay,
Mercury News,
4 July 2026
The film tells the story of the tender yet destructive friendship between two 13-year-old boys who run away when they are threatened with being separated.
—
Alissa Simon,
Variety,
4 July 2026
In March 1948, central Oklahoma was inundated with destructive tornadoes -- two of which struck the Tinker Air Force Base.
—
Julia Jacobo,
ABC News,
4 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for destructive
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Daily News,
4 July 2026
The Declaration champions the right to alter or abolish government destructive of life, liberty, and happiness.
—
Brian Delay,
Mercury News,
4 July 2026
The film tells the story of the tender yet destructive friendship between two 13-year-old boys who run away when they are threatened with being separated.
—
Alissa Simon,
Variety,
4 July 2026
In March 1948, central Oklahoma was inundated with destructive tornadoes -- two of which struck the Tinker Air Force Base.
—
Julia Jacobo,
ABC News,
4 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for destructive
Cite this Entry
“Destructive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/destructive. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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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