annihilate

[uh-nahy-uh-leyt] / əˈnaɪ əˌleɪt /

VERB

destroy completely

Synonyms

STRONGEST

crush decimate demolish eradicate exterminate extinguish finish off liquidate negate obliterate quell raze wipe out

STRONG

abate abolish abrogate annul erase expunge extirpate invalidate massacre murder nullify quash ruin slaughter undo vitiate wrack wreck

WEAK

blot out do in root out rub out take out

Antonyms

STRONGEST

bear build construct create fix

STRONG

aid approve assist establish give birth help institute legalize permit protect ratify sanction save support validate

WEAK

preserve revive

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The miracle of our species isn’t that we annihilate each other, it’s that we cooperate at all.

From Salon • Apr. 23, 2026

In some models, when two of these particles meet, they annihilate and produce high-energy radiation such as gamma rays.

From Science Daily • Apr. 10, 2026

Self-proclaimed experts usually attract trouble through hubris, though I’ve seen bank traders and hedge fund managers annihilate themselves with slavish beliefs in trading ranges.

From Barron's • Jan. 14, 2026

I am covering this game for Radio 5 Live and part of me is thinking that Liverpool are going to click soon and just absolutely annihilate someone.

From BBC • Sep. 25, 2025

You wish you could annihilate some memories, too, but you can’t do that, either.

From "A Heart in a Body in the World" by Deb Caletti

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