smash 1 of 2

Definition of smashnext
1
2
as in to demolish
to cause to break open or into pieces by or as if by an explosive the firecracker smashed the clay pot

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in to destroy
to bring to a complete end the physical soundness, existence, or usefulness of the invading troops smashed the resistance and went on to conquer the country

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4

smash

2 of 2

noun

1
2
as in crash
the violent coming together of two bodies into destructive contact the sound of the smash made all of the bystanders immediately whip their heads around

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
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5

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 smash
Verb
For 30 minutes, a patron can use a sledgehammer or crow bar to smash TVs, keyboards, printers, beer bottles, plates and old phones. Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026 Take the quiz here … CRACKING UP — Costco's massive $140 Easter treat requires instructions for how to smash it apart. FOXNews.com, 1 Apr. 2026
Noun
The film was a critical and commercial smash, earning more than $100 million at the box office and scoring seven Oscars including best picture. Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 26 Mar. 2026 The theme is certainly a knock-on effect from Zootopia, the 2016 smash hit whose sequel was the highest-grossing American film of 2025. David Sims, The Atlantic, 26 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for smash
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smash
Verb
  • But customers should not expect earth-shattering menu changes.
    Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 2 Apr. 2026
  • World Cup That dream come true feeling Some dreams were shattered last night, other dreams were made.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The project, which was announced by the White House in July, became a highly controversial undertaking when the East Wing was suddenly demolished to accommodate the 90,000 square foot ballroom.
    Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
  • The Panorama City facility is set to demolish its main ice rink, leaving athletes who use the center with a smaller, non-regulation rink.
    Senior Editor, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Later, a fire at Hall’s grandmother’s house would destroy most of his magic act.
    Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 29 Mar. 2026
  • This time around, in that first wave of strikes on February 28, American cruise missiles targeted and destroyed a building that ended up being a girls’ school—killing more than 168 young children who had just started their day of classes.
    Connor Okeeffe, Oc Register, 29 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Then Buttered Popcorn dethroned it in 1998, bumping the cherry classic from its perch.
    Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2026
  • In practice, though, the list is largely made up of people who bump into each other at the Century Association or the Center for Architecture; even firms that originated abroad, like Snøhetta (Norway) and BIG (Denmark), have essentially become local.
    Justin Davidson, Curbed, 1 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • After the first collision, Beavers' truck continued north, rolled onto its left side, and hit the sound barrier wall on the right shoulder.
    Christopher Harris, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Although embedded in spectacle culture, these events occasionally presented the possibility of truly poetic clashes between languages and artistic traditions—what Glissant calls an éclat, collisions that create sparks of novelty.
    Daniel Birnbaum, Artforum, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The Colorado State Patrol is launching a new awareness campaign in April, highlighting common causes of crashes due to distracted driving.
    Christa Swanson, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
  • According to the Board of Estimates agenda, Fletcher was injured in the crash as well.
    Chevall Pryce, Baltimore Sun, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • In a blow to the fledgling environmental movement, however, a report by Nixon’s science adviser, Lee DuBridge, called for more drilling, not less.
    Jeffrey Marlow, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2026
  • The blow came after the right-hander threw a four-seam fastball that nearly hit Trout’s face.
    Anthony Solorzano, Los Angeles Times, 4 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Swift leaned into the soft romance of her outfit with an undone half-up hairstyle with her signature bangs brushed to the side for a dreamy effect.
    Kara Nesvig, Allure, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Cyrus has kept the spirits high by embodying her beloved character in a series of colorful, sequin, and rhinestone-studded looks on red carpets, even returning to that signature Hannah Montana blonde and set of bangs.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 27 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Smash.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smash. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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