as in destroyed
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1
as in ravaged
to bring destruction to (something) through violent action
the city was devastated, first by the earthquake and then by fires
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in ruined
to bring to a complete end the physical soundness, existence, or usefulness of
the explosion devastated an entire city block
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in overwhelmed
to subject to incapacitating emotional or mental stress
we were devastated by the awful news of his death
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of devastated
Ken Rosenthal,
The Orlando Sentinel,
29 May 2026
Sadly, Nick dies in a tragic car accident in the penultimate episode of The Four Seasons Season 1, leaving behind a group of devastated friends and family members, including Ginny, who is revealed to be pregnant in the season finale.
—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2026
CNN Money,
29 June 2026
The South Florida community — home to the largest Venezuelan diaspora in the United States — is rallying to deliver humanitarian aid to Venezuela after two powerful earthquakes devastated the country Wednesday evening.
—
Milena Malaver,
Miami Herald,
27 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for devastated
Adjective
Little did the Rays know at the time, but a trade for Ohtani would have left them devastated.
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Ken Rosenthal,
The Orlando Sentinel,
29 May 2026
Sadly, Nick dies in a tragic car accident in the penultimate episode of The Four Seasons Season 1, leaving behind a group of devastated friends and family members, including Ginny, who is revealed to be pregnant in the season finale.
—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2026
Verb
BangkokReuters — The family of a 17-year-old Thai girl whose body was found in a suitcase in Pattaya said they were devastated by her death, for which an Australian man has been arrested and charged with murder.
—
CNN Money,
29 June 2026
The South Florida community — home to the largest Venezuelan diaspora in the United States — is rallying to deliver humanitarian aid to Venezuela after two powerful earthquakes devastated the country Wednesday evening.
—
Milena Malaver,
Miami Herald,
27 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for devastated
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devastated
Adjective
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His choices allow the viewer to drink in the intimate details of the ruined world.
Verb
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Many ranchers delayed rebuilding due to a resurgence of dryness this spring and wildfires that ravaged more grazing land.
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The Panthers made the Cup Final in three consecutive years from 2023 to 2025, winning it all in the final two years of that stretch, before missing the playoffs last season as injuries ravaged the roster.
Verb
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These structures were regionally and culturally inspired, and largely destroyed during rapid and callous colonization.
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The Aspen Acres fire has likely destroyed more than 200 homes, but the fire conditions have stopped damage assessment teams from accessing some areas to get a clearer picture, Pueblo County officials said.
Verb
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But the ownership group is overwhelmed by left-wing politics.
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Tipu’s kingdom finally fell in 1799, when British and allied forces overwhelmed his fortress at Seringapatam, a few hours’ drive from present-day Bangalore.
Adjective
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Jury sees wrecked boat, crash re-enactment On the fourth day of trial, the jury hopped into a black Dodge van escorted by Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office deputies.
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Antunez got out of the wrecked vehicle and tried to flee on foot but was arrested by an OHA officer.
Verb
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His companies have transformed industries, his wealth has shattered records, and his politics now shape governments and public debate.
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Republican Rick Jackson shattered spending records in Georgia by spending $108 million of his own money into his campaign for governor.
Adjective
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The Venezuelan College of Engineers (CIV) has launched emergency training sessions for engineers, architects and technical specialists who will inspect damaged structures and determine whether they can be repaired or must be demolished.
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Many injuries were reported in Wisconsin’s Walworth County after the storm toppled trees, knocked down power lines and damaged buildings, said Tom Hausner, undersheriff for the Walworth County Sheriff’s department.
Verb
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The East Wing of the White House was demolished suddenly in October 2025 and there is set to be a huge new ballroom, office spaces and an underground military complex in its place, though the design of the new building is still in flux.
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Just months later, in October, the East Wing had been demolished without notice to make way for the new ballroom.
Cite this Entry
“Devastated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devastated. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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