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.

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

The owners of the Brentwood home where Marilyn Monroe died in 1962 are suing the city of L.A. and Mayor Karen Bass for the right to demolish the property.

From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2026

An application to demolish the property was refused last year.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

An application to demolish the property, which dates back to the 1700s, was refused last year.

From BBC • Apr. 19, 2026

One day word came that the authorities had decided not to demolish all of Alexandra at one go, but in stages.

From "Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography" by Mark Mathabane

Vocabulary lists containing demolish

Super Bowl Blowout: Epic Vocab for the Big Game

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Purple Hibiscus

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

American Football, 4th Quarter

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!