destructive

adjective

de·​struc·​tive di-ˈstrək-tiv How to pronounce destructive (audio)
Synonyms of destructivenext
1
: causing destruction : ruinous
destructive storm
2
: designed or tending to hurt or destroy
destructive criticism
destructively adverb
destructiveness noun

Synonyms of destructive

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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
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.
After that horrible night and the equally terrifying and destructive day and night that followed, the fire finally burned itself out. — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2026 Roughly the same rural areas of eastern Cleveland and western Lincoln counties have spawned destructive, even deadly tornados for many decades. — Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 11 July 2026 If an ascent vehicle suffers a destructive anomaly, the resulting crash forces could be mind-boggling. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 July 2026 California’s fight against increasingly destructive wildfires took to orbit Tuesday with the launch of the first three operational FireSat satellites from Vandenberg Space Force Base. — Naomi Taxay, Sacbee.com, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for destructive

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of destructive was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing destructive

Rhymes for destructive

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Browse Nearby Words

destructionist
destructive
destructive distillation
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Cite this Entry

“Destructive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/destructive. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

destructive

adjective
de·​struc·​tive di-ˈstrək-tiv How to pronounce destructive (audio)
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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Nglish: Translation of destructive for Spanish Speakers

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