as in destruction
the act of destroying or damaging something deliberately so that it does not work correctly
Angry workers were responsible for the sabotage of the machines. Officials have not yet ruled out sabotage as a possible cause of the crash.
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1
as in to thwart
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2
as in to destroy
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sabotage
Zac Ntim, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2025
Isaac was willing to kill Gomez to save Françoise and even dug Gomez’s grave in anticipation of his death, but Morticia swooped in to sabotage these plans.
—Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2025
Robert Kagan, The Atlantic, 10 Sep. 2025
That means submitting a generic résumé is essentially career sabotage.
—Jill Schulman, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sabotage
Noun
With English Subtitles William Defoe excels as the manager of a luxury hotel who decides to sabotage the plans of the Argentine developer who has acquired it.
—Zac Ntim, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2025
Isaac was willing to kill Gomez to save Françoise and even dug Gomez’s grave in anticipation of his death, but Morticia swooped in to sabotage these plans.
—Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
These have included sabotage of key infrastructure, arson, and assassination attempts against European defense executives.
—Robert Kagan, The Atlantic, 10 Sep. 2025
That means submitting a generic résumé is essentially career sabotage.
—Jill Schulman, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sabotage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sabotage
Noun
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The developing cauldron would trap Russian troops with few options beyond surrender or destruction.—
David Kirichenko,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
-
Earth, meanwhile, has so far been unable to bring about its own destruction.—
Quanta Magazine,
Quanta Magazine,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
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One miscue was a fumble into the end zone from the two-yard line, which thwarted a long drive late in the third quarter.—
Mike Waters,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 Sep. 2025
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The Kansas City Royals arrived in Philadelphia looking to thwart the red-hot Phillies and keep alive their slim playoff hopes.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
13 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Some are value-destroying black holes; others are relentless value creators.—
Steve Denning,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
-
The first instance of NATO nations downing drones came last week, when Polish and Dutch fighters destroyed three Russian drones over Poland.—
David Brennan,
ABC News,
14 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The wrecking begins when Carey (Marvin), Paul’s best friend, ill-advisedly sleeps with Julie—and then, more ill-advisedly still, confesses it to Paul the next day.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
22 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Larsen makes Didi’s absurd actions feel credible, something a woman frustrated with her own life would do, in haste, on behalf of another.—
Peter Tonguette,
The Washington Examiner,
19 Sep. 2025
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The East African nation has been frustrated about the poor equipment, lack of manpower and money to help dismantled Haiti’s gangs.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
18 Sep. 2025
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 Dolphins’ final two possessions were foiled by four penalties, three sacks, a Tua Tagovailoa interception, multiple penalties, miscommunication and confusion.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
14 Sep. 2025
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Some of those who attempt to seize or usurp power unconstitutionally are killed during their takeover bid, particularly when security forces loyal to the incumbent leader foil the attack.—
Joe Wright,
The Conversation,
12 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
“Sabotage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sabotage. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
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