1
as in devastating
causing or tending to cause destruction
the destructive storm blew down trees all over town, and blew the roof off our neighbor's house
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in disastrous
bringing about ruin or misfortune
technology used for destructive ends
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of destructive
Possible high-end, long-track tornadoes, large hail and destructive thunderstorms could hit the areas, officials said.
—
Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 19 May 2025
Russell Westbrook, so good in Denver’s first-round win over the LA Clippers and so destructive to the Nuggets in the second-round loss to Oklahoma City, has a player option for next season.
—Sam Amick, New York Times, 18 May 2025
United by grief and a desire for escape, their bond deepens into an intense and ultimately destructive relationship that leaves lasting scars.
—Jamie Lang, Variety, 16 May 2025
The recent youth takeovers in Chicago, involving large groups of young people engaging in violent and destructive behavior, have highlighted the urgent need for practical solutions.
—Tio Hardiman, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for destructive
Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 19 May 2025
Russell Westbrook, so good in Denver’s first-round win over the LA Clippers and so destructive to the Nuggets in the second-round loss to Oklahoma City, has a player option for next season.
—Sam Amick, New York Times, 18 May 2025
United by grief and a desire for escape, their bond deepens into an intense and ultimately destructive relationship that leaves lasting scars.
—Jamie Lang, Variety, 16 May 2025
The recent youth takeovers in Chicago, involving large groups of young people engaging in violent and destructive behavior, have highlighted the urgent need for practical solutions.
—Tio Hardiman, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for destructive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for destructive
Adjective
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The impact on the demographic group driving growth in population, consumer spending, and higher education enrollment in this country would be nothing short of devastating.—
Noreen Sugrue,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
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This was somehow more devastating for Minnesota than last year’s Game 5 debacle against Dallas.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
29 May 2025
Adjective
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Here, The Athletic looks at what this all means, what points deductions Leicester could face, where the EFL stands on any Premier League sanction and the potential repercussions for a club already reeling from what has been a disastrous season on the pitch.—
Rob Tanner,
New York Times,
20 May 2025
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In short, plenty of disastrous events can strike, often with little to no warning.—
Niki Jorgensen,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
Adjective
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Her father was charged A CT baby had fractures and injuries medical personnel say could have been fatal.—
Staff report,
Hartford Courant,
30 May 2025
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In addition to the loss of wildlife, collisions are also fatal to humans.—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
30 May 2025
Adjective
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The timing of Correa’s five-game absence for a concussion sustained in Baltimore on May 15 was unfortunate.—
Dan Hayes,
New York Times,
27 May 2025
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This is especially unfortunate because the plot itself is quite harrowing.—
Paul A. Thompson,
Pitchfork,
22 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Destructive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/destructive. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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