1
as in to ruin
to bring to a complete end the physical soundness, existence, or usefulness of
they practically destroyed the safe in order to get at the money inside their poor scores on the final exam destroyed any chance they might have had to pass the course
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to ravage
to bring destruction to (something) through violent action
wildfires destroyed thousands of acres in forests across the state
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to kill
to deprive of life
regrettably, the veterinarian was forced to destroy the injured horse
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of destroy
Another building at the Islamic University in Gaza was struck and destroyed by several missiles, according to images and video from the scene.
—
Tim Lister, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2025
Motivated by Moore’s suspension, the Wolverines destroyed Central Michigan 63-3 Saturday in a display of wire-to-wire domination.
—Austin Meek, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2025
In the opening months of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the Bayraktar TB2 drone system enabled the Ukrainian military to destroy large Russian columns of equipment.
—Joseph Nepomuceno, The Washington Examiner, 13 Sep. 2025
They got rid of a cypress and ants destroyed white birch trees, Ramona said.
—Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for destroy
Tim Lister, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2025
Motivated by Moore’s suspension, the Wolverines destroyed Central Michigan 63-3 Saturday in a display of wire-to-wire domination.
—Austin Meek, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2025
In the opening months of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the Bayraktar TB2 drone system enabled the Ukrainian military to destroy large Russian columns of equipment.
—Joseph Nepomuceno, The Washington Examiner, 13 Sep. 2025
They got rid of a cypress and ants destroyed white birch trees, Ramona said.
—Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for destroy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for destroy
Verb
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Some hardware is brass-plated, which means scrubbing could expose the metal underneath and ruin the finish.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
16 Sep. 2025
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However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.—
Simone Jasper,
Charlotte Observer,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The species, ravaged by the invasive Emerald Ash borer over the past two decades, continues to decay and cause problems for homeowners and power lines.—
Sophie Hartley,
IndyStar,
17 Sep. 2025
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The Minnesota Vikings running back room has been ravaged by injury the past two weeks, prompting a reunion that many fans had seen coming.—
Trevor Squire,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Utah police on Friday arrested Tyler Robinson for allegedly killing right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, although his potential motive remains hazy.—
Claire Cameron,
semafor.com,
14 Sep. 2025
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Key Background Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, was killed in an unprovoked attack on a commuter rail in Charlotte, North Carolina, in August.—
Zachary Folk,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
Verb
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For McDaniel, seeing homeowners demolish old tile is enough to make her heart sink.—
Tessa Cooper,
Southern Living,
19 Sep. 2025
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His jersey hung in his locker untouched at the old Busch Stadium until it was demolished in 2005.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
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On September 7, dog owner Brittany U'Wren was devastated to learn that her rescue Shitzu mix, named Lexi, had escaped through the garage and disappeared from her home in Lexington, Kentucky.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Sep. 2025
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Ajok said that a friend, a fellow Ugandan athlete, told her that after taking medication and undergoing surgery in order to compete, they were left feeling devastated.—
Amy Woodyatt,
CNN Money,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Moviegoers yearn for demons to be slayed.—
Alejandra Gularte,
Vulture,
16 Sep. 2025
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Hosted by drag superstars Dusty Ray Bottoms and May O’Nays, this cabaret-meets-musical-theatre spectacular brings together local legends, touring talent, and rising youth performers for an unforgettable staging of sequins, show tunes, and slaying.—
Kirby Adams,
Louisville Courier Journal,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office has identified the driver and passenger of a white pickup truck alleged to be throwing objects at moving cars and shattering their windshields, according to a sheriff’s social media post.—
Elizabeth Hernandez,
Denver Post,
19 Sep. 2025
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Black Rabbit is a propulsive thrill ride and character examination about the way an unbreakable bond between two brothers can shatter their world and everything in its orbit.—
Billie Melissa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Last week the hacks finally returned Read’s SUV, but with its electronics system totally wrecked.—
Howie Carr,
Boston Herald,
13 Sep. 2025
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Arguing further against a lopsided game, two Eagles defenders who wrecked Kansas City’s blocking in the Super Bowl have moved on.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Destroy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/destroy. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.
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