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.

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

From Science Daily • Apr. 3, 2026

"All they stand for is anger, hatred, and destruction," roared a hoarse Viktor Orban.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

A key worry is demand destruction due to the oil shock.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

But that’s a far cry from the deliberate destruction of civilian targets.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

The ridge did nothing to stop the rush of oncoming destruction.

From "Mountain of Fire" by Rebecca E. F. Barone