destroy

[dih-stroi] / dɪˈstrɔɪ /

VERB

demolish, devastate

Synonyms

STRONGEST

consume crush damage dismantle end eradicate gut impair kill maim ravage raze ruin sabotage shatter smash smash-up wipe out wreck

STRONG

abort annihilate annul axe butcher cream deface desolate despoil dispatch erase exterminate extinguish extirpate level liquidate mar maraud mutilate nuke nullify overturn quash quell ravish slay suppress torpedo total trash vaporize waste wax zap

WEAK

blot out break down lay waste snuff out spoliate stamp out swallow up tear down

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aid assist bear begin build construct create fix give birth help lose mend repair start

STRONG

improve keep preserve retain save validate

WEAK

restore

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.

Here’s the part people don’t expect to hear: It didn’t destroy us.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

How can doctors destroy cancer cells without harming healthy tissue?

From Science Daily • Apr. 2, 2026

Established missiles like the Sidewinder are highly effective, but were designed to destroy jet fighters and other expensive targets, said Cornelius.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

There are many narratives going around, and the one I find most interesting or conflicting is from the tech bears who say that AI is so powerful, it’s going to destroy all of software.

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

By confessing to fraud, Maggie and Kate didn’t destroy the Spiritualist movement or their sister Leah.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock

destroy

Example Sentences

Related Words