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

Marshall’s plans to demolish a former youth hostel built during the Art Deco period to make way for a sports field was blocked by the Historic Preservation Board, which mandated he preserve the building’s facade.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

I’m happy Phillipe is not around to see the digital renderings of what they plan to erect once they demolish the Taix chateau: another condo building with all the charm of a college dorm.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

I demolish everything and would eat more, but there’s nothing left.

From "Without Refuge" by Jane Mitchell

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