obliterate

[uh-blit-uh-reyt] / əˈblɪt əˌreɪt /

VERB

destroy

Synonyms

STRONGEST

annihilate black out eliminate eradicate erase expunge exterminate knock out obscure ravage smash wash out wipe out

STRONG

ax bog cancel cover cut defeat delete efface extirpate finish kill level liquidate nix off scratch scrub sink squash torpedo total trash waste zap

WEAK

KO X out blot out blue pencil do in finish off knock off mark out root out rub off rub out shoot down take apart take out wipe off face of earth

Antonyms

STRONGEST

add aid assist bear build create fix help revive

STRONG

begin construct initiate keep leave alone save schedule set up start

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.

Nearly 60 years later, Congress has done all it can to obliterate that mission.

From Slate • Jul. 17, 2025

“One cannot obliterate the technology and science for enrichment through bombings,” Araghchi said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 5, 2025

She does not obliterate herself, as Tár would demand — she frees herself.

From Salon • Mar. 12, 2025

It is strange to see how quickly trees and shrubs and stuff can obliterate stone walling.”

From BBC • Aug. 24, 2024

“You’re going to obliterate me, aren’t you? I know it.”

From "I'll Give You the Sun" by Jandy Nelson