devastation

noun

Definition of devastationnext
as in destruction
the state or fact of being rendered nonexistent, physically unsound, or useless the sheer devastation of the housing development by the forest fire

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of devastation But although smallpox’s European origins are clear based on the timeline of its devastation, epidemiologists have yet to identify strong genetic evidence to support this arc. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 30 July 2026 In 2016, a series of massive earthquakes killed 275 people, injured thousands more and caused widespread devastation, with more than 200,000 homes damaged. — Arion McNicoll, TheWeek, 29 July 2026 The chaos and devastation across both countries highlight the serious impacts of climate change on communities and landscapes. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 29 July 2026 Japan is dealing with widespread devastation following a deadly earthquake. — Julia Gomez, USA Today, 29 July 2026 The parkway is celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2026, triumphantly welcoming guests back to many sections of the scenic and historic drive following the devastation of Hurricane Helene in 2024. — Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 28 July 2026 As the European countries reckon with the remaining blazes and brace for the potential impact of the incoming heat wave, here are photos showing the devastation caused by the wildfires so far. — Olivia-Anne Cleary, Time, 28 July 2026 Before the court turns to the question of punishment, families used the first day of sentencing to make clear the devastation left behind. — Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 27 July 2026 The midfield presence of Granit Xhaka and technical quality of left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko meant that Arteta’s side had coherent networks of attack with similar devastation on both flanks. — Mark Carey, New York Times, 27 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devastation
  1. destruction
  2. havoc
  3. loss
  4. extinction
  5. demolition
Noun
  • The term was coined in 1981 based on the cases of four elderly women in Wisconsin who, like the man, had severe destruction of their shoulder joints and massive tears to their rotator cuffs.
    — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 31 July 2026
  • Its mayor, Andriy Sadovyi, posted a video to X showing widespread destruction in part of the city.
    — David Brennan, ABC News, 30 July 2026
Definition of destruction
Noun
  • Being asked to prove yourself to AI can play havoc on your confidence and ruin your chances of getting your foot in the door.
    — Colleen Batchelder, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • That also plays havoc with his control over his web-shooting capabilities, both the old-school organic method and the tech version built for him by Tony Stark.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 28 July 2026
Definition of havoc
Noun
  • More than 2 million acres had burned, the center said – that’s twice the previous 10-year average for the period, and the highest loss in 14 years.
    — Martin Goillandeau, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Skubal took the loss in the decisive Game 5 of the division series against Cleveland in 2024 and then got a no-decision in a 15-inning loss to Seattle in Game 5 of the division series last year.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of loss
Noun
  • Environmental organizations have decried the change as a complete gutting that will rapidly accelerate extinctions, and have sued in federal court.
    — Lizzie Kane, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2026
  • The film combines animation with live-action footage to explore an unprecedented 1979 legal dispute that saw the rare Palila bird native to Hawaii sue the state to prevent its extinction amidst threats of climate change and fire.
    — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 31 July 2026
Definition of extinction
Noun
  • The Kansas City City Council approved a trio of ordinances on Thursday aimed at vacant properties that become nuisances and staving off demolition of historic buildings.
    — Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Skateboarders have flown in from every continent to ride the banks over the decades, and on Friday, a couple of locals came to say goodbye before the demolition.
    — Maddie White, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of demolition

Browse Nearby Words

devastating
devastation
devastations
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Cite this Entry

“Devastation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devastation. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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