Definitions

destroy

[dih-stroi] / dɪˈstrɔɪ /

VERB

demolish, devastate

Synonyms

STRONGEST

consume crush damage dismantle end eradicate gut impair kill maim ravage raze ruin sabotage shatter smash smash-up wipe out wreck

STRONG

abort annihilate annul axe butcher cream deface desolate despoil dispatch erase exterminate extinguish extirpate level liquidate mar maraud mutilate nuke nullify overturn quash quell ravish slay suppress torpedo total trash vaporize waste wax zap

WEAK

blot out break down lay waste snuff out spoliate stamp out swallow up tear down

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aid assist bear begin build construct create fix give birth help lose mend repair start

STRONG

improve keep preserve retain save validate

WEAK

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.

"The masters of war pretend not to know that it takes only a moment to destroy, yet often a lifetime is not enough to rebuild," he said.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

Julian wants to destroy the unfinished Christophers, but can’t bring himself to douse the canvases in kerosene and light the match.

From Salon • Apr. 17, 2026

If you’re winning, you don’t typically threaten to destroy a civilization or look for scapegoats.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

AI industry insiders want workers to code smarter, think harder and lean into their humanity -- but still dodge the question of how many jobs artificial intelligence will destroy.

From Barron's • Apr. 12, 2026

I have so little time to destroy it.

From "The Last Cuentista" by Donna Barba Higuera

Vocabulary lists containing destroy

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Workshop 2, Part 1

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