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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.

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

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

Mr. Clark asks us to regard the tale of the two pastors’ ruination as comparable to modern-day instances of reputational destruction.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

Hazel looked again at each swirling gateway: a demigod war, the destruction of the Argo II, disaster for herself and her friends.

From "The House of Hades" by Rick Riordan

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.