nuke

Definition of nukenext
as in to destroy
to bring to a complete end the physical soundness, existence, or usefulness of a pretty sizable piece of real estate would be nuked if an asteroid struck

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 nuke However, nuking the asteroid could potentially create problems. Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 6 Oct. 2025 In 2020, Republicans just nuked big chunks of their calendar and proclaimed their incumbent nearly by acclamation. Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 26 Aug. 2025 Republicans in other red states like Missouri, Florida, Ohio and Indiana are also considering similar efforts to nuke Democratic seats before 2026. Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 5 Aug. 2025 The only real solution is to nuke the whole thing and start over from scratch. Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for nuke
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nuke
Verb
  • More than 12,000 scrolls were once stored inside this second-century center of learning before a fire destroyed them in 262 CE.
    Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Feeling bored, resentful and trapped by domestic life, Hedda hatches a plan to destroy her husband’s potential career rival, Eilert Lovberg, who happens to be her ex-lover.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The former Portage Township Schools Administration building will be the first to be demolished this spring when workers begin preparing to build the new Aylesworth Middle School.
    Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026
  • The village is demolishing homes to make way for the redevelopment and will relocate residents elsewhere on campus, Timberlake said.
    Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Romero’s red card for a foul on Casemiro in the 29th minute of Tottenham’s defeat to Manchester United on Saturday ruined Frank’s game plan.
    Jay Harris, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2026
  • Applying baking soda to some surfaces or materials could ruin it, scratch it or lose its shine, according to the pros.
    Lauren David, Southern Living, 7 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The synthetic opioid is far more potent than heroin and has devastated communities across the country.
    Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 6 Feb. 2026
  • In Kristin Dwyer's In Time With You (out March 3 from Wednesday Books), that's the conundrum facing Nieve Monroe, who's devastated after her boyfriend Carter dies saving her from drowning.
    Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 4 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • When Mom reached Dad on the telephone in the White House pantry to commiserate over the earth-shattering news, Dad’s response was disbelieving.
    John Wrory Ficklin, Time, 11 Feb. 2026
  • But there are no predictions of record-shattering win totals this time – even as the Dodgers head into the season as favorites to three-peat.
    Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Lanni was sitting nearby at Sei Less when LaForte wrecked the witness’ table.
    John Annese, New York Daily News, 4 Feb. 2026
  • The barber chair, the locus of Sweeney’s revenge on the heartless cruelty of a Victorian London that wrecked his life, isn’t the elaborate contraption of other productions.
    Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Those skipping romance this season can name an ex after a pile of animal feces, shred old photos for dining deals or smash their way through staged date nights in rage rooms.
    Julian Torres, CNN Money, 14 Feb. 2026
  • No matter what, Bella Hadid will always smash a theme.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 14 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Nuke.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nuke. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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