as in destruction
the state or fact of being rendered nonexistent, physically unsound, or useless
the state's population of moose has been replenished, having once been hunted almost to extinction
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of extinction
While not considered an extinction-level threat, objects this size are still regarded as potentially hazardous on a regional scale.
—
Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
But the unresolved questions about the risks AI poses for job losses, mental health issues and even humanity’s extinction served as a backdrop for the proceedings, with protesters decrying both Musk and Altman becoming a regular presence outside the federal courthouse.
—ABC News, 18 May 2026
Wolves were driven to local extinction in California in the 1920s.
—Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2026
Bison—survivors of ice ages and near extinction, to later become our national animal—wander freely at the whims of the matriarch cow bison that lead the cow-calf groups.
—Robert Annis, Midwest Living, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for extinction
Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
But the unresolved questions about the risks AI poses for job losses, mental health issues and even humanity’s extinction served as a backdrop for the proceedings, with protesters decrying both Musk and Altman becoming a regular presence outside the federal courthouse.
—ABC News, 18 May 2026
Wolves were driven to local extinction in California in the 1920s.
—Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2026
Bison—survivors of ice ages and near extinction, to later become our national animal—wander freely at the whims of the matriarch cow bison that lead the cow-calf groups.
—Robert Annis, Midwest Living, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for extinction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extinction
Noun
-
Its offspring included Erebus (Darkness) and Nyx, who goes on to produce Ker (destruction), Thanatos (death), and Oizys (pain), among many others.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 May 2026
-
Comments under the brand's post showing a photo of the destruction show support for the cupcake bakery.—
Chiara Kim,
PEOPLE,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
The environmental devastation left behind is immense.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
13 May 2026
-
Former reality television star and current Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt welcomed Mother’s Day with an emotional video highlighting the devastation of the 2025 California wildfires on his family.—
Saleen Martin,
USA Today,
11 May 2026
Noun
-
The inconsistent role wreaked havoc with his shot.—
Jon Krawczynski,
New York Times,
17 May 2026
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Just ask Panthers guard Robert Hunt, who has stories about Eagles fans climbing onto opposing team buses and wreaking havoc.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
15 May 2026
Noun
-
The index is back in the green after steep losses at the end of last week.—
Leonie Kidd,
CNBC,
18 May 2026
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Later this spring, the 1 X Vitahealth Medi Spa will open and offer things like hormone balancing, weight loss, nutritional consulting, and custom IV therapies.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
18 May 2026
Noun
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The president is leaning on the Senate to deliver $1 billion in new Secret Service funding — including $200 million associated with the demolition of the East Wing for his ballroom and other facilities — as part of a larger immigration enforcement funding bill.—
Burgess Everett,
semafor.com,
18 May 2026
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When that digital existence falls apart, the studio’s physical demolition is repurposed as the backdrop for a sci-fi production.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
When the ants come marching in, many of us frantically raid our cabinets and garage shelves for any means of immediate extermination.—
Kate Van Pelt,
The Spruce,
25 Apr. 2026
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When members of the crew begin to die, the line between spectacle and extermination starts to blur.—
Christopher Vourlias,
Variety,
20 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Extinction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extinction. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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