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.

Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe finished in 1:59:30, obliterating the previous record of 2:00:35 set at the 2023 Chicago Marathon by Kenyan Kelvin Kiptum.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 26, 2026

The United States is the only country to have used nuclear weapons in combat, obliterating the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki at the end of World War II, killing some 214,000 people.

From Barron's • Apr. 23, 2026

Jamaica's Oblique Seville claimed a stunning victory in the men's 100m, obliterating a line-up featuring Olympic champion Noah Lyles by finishing in 9.86 secs.

From BBC • Jul. 19, 2025

It may not even qualify as trash, but I remember Lost being a phenom when it was airing and its disastrous finale obliterating any goodwill it had built.

From Slate • Dec. 28, 2024

At scim training, Zak comes at me with unusual sloppiness, but instead of obliterating him, I let him knock me on my ass because I’ve caught a glimpse of blonde across the field.

From "An Ember in the Ashes" by Sabaa Tahir