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
Save the 45-year-old Tallman, the guys are all in their 50s, but their characters are still plenty destructive — especially self-destructive.
—
Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2026
The new Attorney General is apt to be just as destructive as Bondi—maybe even more so, given that Bondi, who had little familiarity with the federal legal system, was not terribly effective in the job.
—Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2026
In a conflict whose already considerable toll could still mount if critical infrastructure continues to be targeted, an understanding on the Strait of Hormuz would help check the momentum toward more destructive consequences.
—Comfort Ero, Time, 3 Apr. 2026
Trap crops are most effective against pests that are commonly destructive and difficult to control through other means.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for destructive
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Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2026
The new Attorney General is apt to be just as destructive as Bondi—maybe even more so, given that Bondi, who had little familiarity with the federal legal system, was not terribly effective in the job.
—Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2026
In a conflict whose already considerable toll could still mount if critical infrastructure continues to be targeted, an understanding on the Strait of Hormuz would help check the momentum toward more destructive consequences.
—Comfort Ero, Time, 3 Apr. 2026
Trap crops are most effective against pests that are commonly destructive and difficult to control through other means.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 3 Apr. 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 Apr. 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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