destructive
adjective
de·struc·tive
di-ˈstrək-tiv 
1
: causing destruction : ruinous
destructive storm
2
: designed or tending to hurt or destroy
destructive criticism
destructively
adverb
destructiveness
noun
Examples of destructive in a Sentence
It was one of the most destructive storms in recent memory.
She argued that the law was destructive of personal liberties.
The school is concerned about the destructive behavior of a few students.
Recent Examples on the Web
As Magazine Dreams progresses, Maddox descends further into his antisocial tendencies and grows more destructive.
—
Hannah Giorgis, The Atlantic, 4 Apr. 2025
Prior to his return to play, he will be required to formulate and fulfill a program with the league that directly addresses the circumstances that led him to repeat this destructive behavior.
—Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 3 Apr. 2025
The country has also been embroiled in civil war for four years sparked by a bloody and economically destructive military coup, which has seen junta forces battle rebel groups across the country.
—Eve Brennan, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2025
Instead of championing bold tax relief, the administration is floating economically destructive ideas like raising personal income tax rates on high earners—most of whom run small and midsize businesses.
—Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for destructive
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Hannah Giorgis, The Atlantic, 4 Apr. 2025
Prior to his return to play, he will be required to formulate and fulfill a program with the league that directly addresses the circumstances that led him to repeat this destructive behavior.
—Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 3 Apr. 2025
The country has also been embroiled in civil war for four years sparked by a bloody and economically destructive military coup, which has seen junta forces battle rebel groups across the country.
—Eve Brennan, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2025
Instead of championing bold tax relief, the administration is floating economically destructive ideas like raising personal income tax rates on high earners—most of whom run small and midsize businesses.
—Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for destructive
Cite this Entry
“Destructive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/destructive. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
destructive
adjective
de·struc·tive
di-ˈstrək-tiv
1
: causing destruction : ruinous
a destructive storm
2
: designed or tending to hurt or destroy
destructive criticism
destructively
adverb
destructiveness
noun
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