Definition of decapitatenext
as in to head
to cut off the head of a particularly gruesome series of murders in which the victims were decapitated

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 decapitate Zolghadr is likely to rise toward the top of Israel's list of assassination targets, with the country seeking to decapitate Iran's leadership. Charlene Gubash, NBC news, 24 Mar. 2026 The military campaign against Iran has managed to decapitate a repressive and brutal regime. Ghassan E. El-Eid, Hartford Courant, 15 Mar. 2026 If Julie was being decapitated by hedge clippers, Shad was cueing her when to start screaming. Literary Hub, 13 Mar. 2026 Israel has decapitated the Iranian proxy’s leadership and targeted its vast missile array. Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 13 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for decapitate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decapitate
Verb
  • More than 500 apartments and townhomes are heading to Charlotte’s university and Research Park neighborhoods.
    Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 6 Apr. 2026
  • After a brief chance of early precipitation, Boston is likely in for a mostly dry week and warmer temperatures heading into next weekend, according to National Weather Service forecasts.
    Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 6 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Many of the men were beheaded and women captured; Umar ibn Sa’d marched the spiked heads and shackled women through various towns on the way back to Caliph Yazid in Damascus to deter further protest.
    Mary Thurlkill, The Conversation, 30 Mar. 2026
  • While Elizabeth's Buffy does get beheaded late in Scary Movie, most of the characters have died and then magically been fine once the next outing begins.
    Derek Lawrence, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Decapitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decapitate. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

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