Definitions

demolish

[dih-mol-ish] / dɪˈmɒl ɪʃ /

VERB

destroy; consume

Synonyms

STRONGEST

annihilate bulldoze crush decimate devastate dilapidate dismantle flatten obliterate overturn pulverize raze ruin smash smash up trash wreck

STRONG

break burst crack defeat devour eat level overthrow sink torpedo total undo wax wrack

WEAK

gobble up knock down put away put in toilet take apart take out tear down wipe off map

Antonyms

STRONGEST

build construct create help lose raise

STRONG

fasten fix mend strengthen surrender

WEAK

produce rebuild repair restore

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.

Officials have approved plans to demolish the damaged complex and build a new hostel.

From BBC • Jun. 7, 2026

Millett also asked whether anything could be done if the government decided, for example, to demolish the Statue of Liberty.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

Because he has asthma, he chose to demolish the entire venting and duct system.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

Katz also said Israeli forces had been ordered to demolish homes in Lebanese villages along the border to neutralise threats to Israeli communities.

From BBC • Mar. 22, 2026

“I certainly hope it isn’t snowing up north. My system simply will not function under those conditions. And please watch out for Greyhound Scenicruisers along the way. They’ll demolish a toy like this.”

From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole

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