raze

verb

ˈrāz How to pronounce raze (audio)
razed; razing
Synonyms of raze

transitive verb

1
: to destroy to the ground : demolish
raze an old building
2
a
: to scrape, cut, or shave off
b
archaic : erase
razer noun

Synonyms of raze

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Examples of raze in a Sentence

an entire city block razed by a terrible fire the developer razed the old school building and built a high-rise condominium complex
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In March, Nebraska’s Morrill Fire tore through 642,000 acres to become the largest in state history, killing one person and razing vast stretches of cattle country. — Martin Goillandeau, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026 In the same cul-de-sac, at least six houses were razed, while others appeared to stand unscathed, including the house next to Angela’s. — Dennis Romero, NBC news, 2 Aug. 2026 Sacks, the financier who owned the parcel before al-Fayed, razed all but the sculpture studio, pool, and tennis court to prop up a grander residence than the one the Sound of Music star called home. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 1 Aug. 2026 In 2017, De Niro filed an application to have the existing structure razed to build a larger home, but his request was ultimately denied. — Joyce Chen, Architectural Digest, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for raze

Word History

Etymology

alteration of rase

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of raze was in the 14th century

Rhymes for raze

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Browse Nearby Words

ray tracing
raze
razee
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Cite this Entry

“Raze.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/raze. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

raze

verb
ˈrāz How to pronounce raze (audio)
razed; razing
: to destroy completely by knocking down or breaking to pieces : demolish
razed the building

More from Merriam-Webster on raze

Nglish: Translation of raze for Spanish Speakers

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