destruction

[dih-struhk-shuhn] / dɪˈstrʌk ʃən /

NOUN

demolition, devastation

Synonyms

STRONGEST

annihilation carnage elimination eradication extermination extinction loss massacre murder ruin slaughter

STRONG

abolition bane crushing dissolving downfall end extinguishing extirpation havoc invalidation liquidation overthrow ravaging ruination sacking shattering slaying subjugation subversion undoing wreckage wrecking

WEAK

abolishing assassinating crashing disintegrating disrupting invalidating subverting

Antonyms

STRONG

creation

WEAK

building construction improvement reparation restoration

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.

One depicts a fractured Statue of Liberty with a broken arm surrounded by scenes of destruction, while another shows the US flag with skulls replacing its stars.

From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026

Or the slow-motion destruction of the Kennedy Center?

From Salon • Apr. 19, 2026

It was a reaction to corporate abuses and corrupt governance and horrific things like child labor and environmental destruction.

From Slate • Apr. 17, 2026

This was a landmark moment as it was the first time any drug had slowed the destruction of the brain in Alzheimer's disease.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

All this destruction to try and find wand wood.

From "The Manifestor Prophecy" by Angie Thomas

Vocabulary lists containing destruction

Biodiversity and Humans - Middle School and High School

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Biodiversity and Humans - Introductory

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"Fire and Ice"

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!