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.

But now satellite images reveal that Iran is repairing the damage done, suggesting he didn’t obliterate the sites after all.

From Slate • Feb. 6, 2026

“You’ve got to sublimate yourself, your ego, and yes, your identity. You must stand in front of the public and God and obliterate yourself.”

From Salon • Mar. 12, 2025

White proceeded to score five consecutive baskets in the second quarter to help Notre Dame obliterate the No. 10-ranked team in Southern California with a 31-9 surge.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 4, 2024

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

From BBC • Aug. 24, 2024

So long as I do not know his name perhaps I may still forget him, time will obliterate it, this picture.

From "All Quiet on the Western Front: A Novel" by Erich Maria Remarque

Vocabulary lists containing obliterate

List 3

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The Lightning Thief

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This Week in Words: September 17 - 24, 2017

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