destruction

[dih-struhk-shuhn] / dɪˈstrʌk ʃən /

NOUN

demolition, devastation

Synonyms

STRONGEST

annihilation carnage elimination eradication extermination extinction loss massacre murder ruin slaughter

STRONG

abolition bane crushing dissolving downfall end extinguishing extirpation havoc invalidation liquidation overthrow ravaging ruination sacking shattering slaying subjugation subversion undoing wreckage wrecking

WEAK

abolishing assassinating crashing disintegrating disrupting invalidating subverting

Antonyms

STRONG

creation

WEAK

building construction improvement reparation restoration

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.

He’s old enough to be fascinated by the idea of liminality because it represents the destruction of a facet of life that was once objectively true: community.

From Salon • May 30, 2026

Some have walked away stunned by the scope of the destruction in Venezuela’s oil fields.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026

"These types of actions are very shocking to the German public, property destruction on an Israeli firm," he told the BBC.

From BBC • May 28, 2026

Lebanon's official National News Agency also reported a series of strikes on Nabatieh city resulting in "huge destruction" in residential areas.

From Barron's • May 28, 2026

And if Mount St. Helens erupted out the side, the destruction, like the destruction around Mount Bezymianny, would be horrific.

From "Mountain of Fire" by Rebecca E. F. Barone

Vocabulary lists containing destruction

Biodiversity and Humans - Middle School and High School

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Biodiversity and Humans - Introductory

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"Fire and Ice"

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