vandalism

noun

van·​dal·​ism ˈvan-də-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce vandalism (audio)
Synonyms of vandalism
: willful or malicious destruction or defacement of public or private property

Synonyms of vandalism

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Examples of vandalism in a Sentence

acts of theft and vandalism He was arrested for vandalism.
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.
The machines were removed in the 1970s due to maintenance difficulties and vandalism, Desjarlais said. — Anne Kadet, Curbed, 7 Aug. 2026 The antisemitic vandalism crimes were known and widely publicized. — Rachel Sales, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026 Case in point, comments under the Winona Police Department’s press release were overwhelmingly positive, celebrating the act of vandalism and making a local folk hero of whoever’s responsible. — Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 5 Aug. 2026 The multimillion-dollar renovation has been riddled with flawed installation, green algae bloom in the water, and alleged acts of vandalism from the beginning. — Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vandalism

Word History

Etymology

vandal + -ism

First Known Use

1798, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of vandalism was in 1798

Browse Nearby Words

vandalish
vandalism
vandalistic
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Vandalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vandalism. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

vandalism

noun
van·​dal·​ism ˈvan-dᵊl-ˌiz-əm How to pronounce vandalism (audio)
: intentional destruction or damage to property

Legal Definition

vandalism

noun
van·​dal·​ism ˈvand-ᵊl-ˌi-zəm How to pronounce vandalism (audio)
: the willful or malicious destruction or defacement of property
insurance covering property damage from vandalism and malicious mischief

More from Merriam-Webster on vandalism

Nglish: Translation of vandalism for Spanish Speakers

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