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Showing results for annihilate. Search instead for annihila.
Definitions

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.

When matter and antimatter meet, they annihilate each other in a burst of energy.

From Science Daily • Mar. 3, 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

Unlike all those other Aronofsky characters, who must annihilate themselves in search of absolution or perfection, Hank will probably be okay.

From Salon • Aug. 29, 2025

But they let it run its course, fulfill itself, and never invented ways either to alter it, to annihilate it or to prevent its happening again.

From "Sula" by Toni Morrison