EXTERMINATION Synonyms: 50 Similar and Opposite Words

extermination

noun

Definition of extermination

as in destruction

the state or fact of being rendered nonexistent, physically unsound, or useless the virtual extermination of the native tribes by the colonizers

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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 extermination The extermination method should be both practical and humane. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2026 With her memory gradually coming back, Juliette now recalls a potential path toward neutralizing the threat of extermination. — Noel Murray, Vulture, 7 Aug. 2026 The chain of events that led to another extermination began when Lauren Cohan’s Maggie and Jeffrey Dean Morgan’s Negan captured their season 2 nemesis, the Dama (Lisa Emery), after the big bad had her men attack them. — Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Aug. 2026 However, the category of pest has often provided an overly simple framework for targeting other animals for extermination, in many cases with serious ecological consequences. — Elan Abrell, The Conversation, 22 July 2026 Vel d’Hiv derives from the name of the Winter Velodrome that many of the detainees were confined in before they were deported to concentration and extermination camps. — Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2026 If, after applying these treatment measures and preventative actions, the problem persists, seek professional pest extermination services. — Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 July 2026 Grossman arrived at Treblinka—which consisted of separate labor and extermination camps—not long after the Germans had killed nearly all the remaining prisoners and withdrawn. — Madeleine Wulfahrt, New Yorker, 8 July 2026 Some pest control companies might include them in general pest control, whereas others include them in higher-tier plans or offer rat and mouse extermination as an add-on specialty service. — Alora Bopray, USA Today, 1 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for extermination

Noun

AccuWeather data from April showed Illinois already leading the nation in tornado, hail and high‑wind reports before the destruction last month.

— Daily Southtown, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
Meanwhile, some vendors have sued the city to obtain public records related to the seizure and destruction of vendor equipment.

— Da Lin, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of destruction

Noun

The mall’s survival amid the community’s devastation was not without controversy given Caruso’s use of private firefighters to ward off the flames.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026
Security camera photos show the devastation caused by flooding in Metamora, Indiana, where numerous businesses were damaged after severe weather hit on Wednesday.

— Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of devastation

Noun

While an entire neighborhood (or more) is threatened with extinction-by-dinosaur, the fate of Starbuck (real-life dogs Buzz and Brisket share the role), featured prominently in the movie’s trailer, seems to have stirred up the most internet agita.

— Greg Evans, Deadline, 15 Aug. 2026
Perhaps the species has a core memory of how humanity almost hunted them to extinction.

— Carl R. Gold, Baltimore Sun, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of extinction

Noun

The tropical storm hit Japan days after Typhoon Dolphin created havoc in parts of southern Japan, paralyzing traffic and sending hundreds to take shelter.

— ABC News, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026
At the center of the effort was sixth-year linebacker Nick Bolton, the quarterback of the unit, who focused on galvanizing the troops to create havoc and slow down an offense that had been humming earlier in the frame.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of havoc

Noun

But demolition should be a careful decision based on proper assessments.

— Giorgia Giardina, The Conversation, 13 Aug. 2026
This year alone, over 3,200 Palestinians have been displaced across the West Bank by settler attacks and demolitions, according to the United Nations.

— Zeena Saifi, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of demolition

Noun

Finding the balance between preserving clubhouse culture and throwing future pieces into the fire remains complicated, even as the team dropped to 60-65 following Saturday’s 5-4 walk-off loss to the New York Mets.

— Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Some of this can be attributed to a loss of trust in institutions, especially those tied to public health, thanks in part to the Covid-19 pandemic.

— T.M. Brown, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of loss

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“Extermination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extermination. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of extermination

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