1
as in devastating
causing or tending to cause destruction
the destructive storm blew down trees all over town, and blew the roof off our neighbor's house
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2
as in disastrous
bringing about ruin or misfortune
technology used for destructive ends
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of destructive
Hank’s death was the tragic turning point that finally crystalized just how destructive Walter White’s ambitions truly were.
—
Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
As a result, dogs might exhibit destructive behavior, excess barking, restlessness or urination and defecation.
—Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
All while treating patients in the middle of a destructive hurricane.
—Emily Blackwood, People.com, 5 Apr. 2025
Soggy soil is a breeding ground for destructive pests and diseases.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for destructive
Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
As a result, dogs might exhibit destructive behavior, excess barking, restlessness or urination and defecation.
—Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
All while treating patients in the middle of a destructive hurricane.
—Emily Blackwood, People.com, 5 Apr. 2025
Soggy soil is a breeding ground for destructive pests and diseases.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for destructive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for destructive
Adjective
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Memories are fresh here of the devastating two quakes in southern Turkey in 2023.—
Ross Rosenfeld,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 Apr. 2025
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Five years after a devastating pandemic, global health is falling off the public’s radar just as governments around the world are slashing foreign assistance funding.—
Jennifer Lotito,
Forbes.com,
23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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If tax reform isn’t approached thoughtfully, the impact on those already facing significant challenges could be disastrous.—
Jack Salmon,
National Review,
14 Apr. 2025
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But what could have been a disastrous situation from the jump has the looks of becoming a positive for Báez and the Tigers.—
Cody Stavenhagen,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Across all suicide attempts not involving a firearm, only 4% result in death; but for firearm suicide, approximately 90% of attempts are fatal.—
Alyssa Goldberg,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2025
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That stretch proved to be fatal for the Heat, as the Cavaliers extended their lead to nine with 16.9 seconds to play and put the game away before Miami scored again following this rough late-game span.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Such a difficult call really spotlighted for the first time how tough a situation he has been left in by Eddie Howe’s unfortunate absence (due to pneumonia).—
Chris Waugh,
New York Times,
22 Apr. 2025
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In 2022, Manhattan Federal Judge Jed Rakoff, who presided over both trials, decided The Times was not liable for defamation while jurors were deliberating, that the error amounted to unfortunate editorializing but not libel.—
Molly Crane-Newman,
New York Daily News,
22 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Destructive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/destructive. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.
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