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.

Vulgar, venal creatures like him are not capable of creating anything of beauty or artistic value; they can only destroy.

From Salon • May 23, 2026

“We all know generative AI will destroy certain jobs and will create new jobs,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

There’s a 15% chance AI will destroy us, but we’ll still sign the agreement.

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2026

A more accurate metaphor would be credit termites — insects that infest and destroy structural timbers.

From MarketWatch • May 20, 2026

Like my favorite pet just died or an asteroid is slowly coming to destroy Earth—even though none of that is happening.

From "Popcorn" by Rob Harrell

Vocabulary lists containing destroy

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