as in to destroy
to bring to a complete end the physical soundness, existence, or usefulness of
the army's attack decimated the enemy's defenses beyond repair
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of decimate
In 2003, Kannapolis was decimated when textile giant Pillowtex, formerly the Cannon Mills Company, abruptly closed.
—
Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 31 Mar. 2025
In September of last year, Israel launched an intense ground and aerial campaign, decimating the militant group’s leadership and killing more than 2,500 in the following months, according to the Lebanese health ministry.
—CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2025
Sri Lankan vessels have historically targeted sharks in the country’s national waters, but as domestic stocks of sharks have been decimated, the Sri Lankan fleet moved into the high seas, areas including the Saya de Malha Bank.
—Ian Urbina, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2025
The problem is that their squad, decimated by injuries, has struggled to sustain the intensity needed — as evidenced by their 2-1 defeat by Chelsea in the Women’s Super League on Sunday.
—Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for decimate
Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 31 Mar. 2025
In September of last year, Israel launched an intense ground and aerial campaign, decimating the militant group’s leadership and killing more than 2,500 in the following months, according to the Lebanese health ministry.
—CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2025
Sri Lankan vessels have historically targeted sharks in the country’s national waters, but as domestic stocks of sharks have been decimated, the Sri Lankan fleet moved into the high seas, areas including the Saya de Malha Bank.
—Ian Urbina, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2025
The problem is that their squad, decimated by injuries, has struggled to sustain the intensity needed — as evidenced by their 2-1 defeat by Chelsea in the Women’s Super League on Sunday.
—Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for decimate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for decimate
Verb
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Many of the early hires were believed to be young tech engineers with little to no government experience, prompting criticism from Democrats and unions that critical government services and systems would be cut or destroyed.—
Sarah D. Wire,
USA Today,
28 Mar. 2025
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The Palisades and Eaton fires burned more than 40,000 acres and destroyed at least 12,000 buildings.—
Corinne Purtill,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Mar. 2025
Verb
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This decision devastated Ajax, whose honor and ego were deeply wounded.—
Antonis Kocheilas,
Forbes.com,
27 Mar. 2025
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When Hurricane Milton ripped through Tampa Bay on October 9, less than two weeks had passed since Hurricane Helene struck the same area, and the region was devastated.—
Chad Jennings,
New York Times,
27 Mar. 2025
Verb
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However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.—
Simone Jasper,
Miami Herald,
4 Apr. 2025
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Curtis left her job as a deputy in August 2023 and sued the county soon after, claiming in court documents that Anderson’s harassment ruined her reputation and career with the county.—
Mary Divine,
Twin Cities,
4 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The station shares a name with Spurs’ former home, which overlapped this site and was demolished as the modern structure, which opened in April 2019, was built.—
Caoimhe O'Neill,
New York Times,
7 Apr. 2025
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Though the interior of the building was demolished, the Art Deco facade was and is still considered a historical landmark and remains intact.—
Harrison Richlin,
IndieWire,
6 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Over the past year, women’s sports have shattered viewership records.—
Cheryl Robinson,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
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Come October, the sound of a puck skimming across ice and players crashing into the boards surrounding a hockey rink may shatter the 2 1/2-year silence.—
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
3 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Part of the franchise’s challenge is to incorporate Leonard without wrecking team chemistry.—
Fluto Shinzawa,
New York Times,
2 Apr. 2025
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Back in the fortress, the Man of Steel scolds Krypto for wrecking the joint while he was gone.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
1 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Kamikaze sank their first ship on Oct. 25, 1944, when a navy Zero pilot smashed into the USS St. Lo in the Philippine Sea while carrying a pair of 550-pound bombs.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2025
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Carlson was wearing a helmet and smashing the windows of the apartment, and going in and out of the house to get gas cans from his truck, the document said.—
Mitchell Willetts,
Kansas City Star,
9 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Decimate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decimate. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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