Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for destruction. Search instead for destructioni.
Definitions

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.

“I do not support the destruction of a ‘whole civilization.’

From Salon • Apr. 7, 2026

In it, she called for an end to "violence and destruction" in the Middle East.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

While impacts are often associated with destruction, they may also have created conditions suitable for life.

From Science Daily • Apr. 3, 2026

The Geneva Conventions governing the laws of war, agreed following World War II, prohibit destruction of "objects indispensable to the survival of the civilian population."

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

That’s what the Soviet Union was facing and fighting: destruction on that scale.

From "A Thousand Sisters" by Elizabeth Wein