extinction

noun

ik-ˈstiŋ(k)-shən How to pronounce extinction (audio)
Definition of extinctionnext
as in destruction
the state or fact of being rendered nonexistent, physically unsound, or useless the state's population of moose has been replenished, having once been hunted almost to extinction

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 extinction The project will provide support to help recover 100 species facing imminent extinction. — Chris Gardner For The Hollywood Reporter, Robb Report, 4 Aug. 2026 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 Paramount faces an extinction-level event if the court rules against it, as a $7 billion regulatory termination fee would be extracted if the deal entirely collapses. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for extinction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extinction
  1. destruction
  2. devastation
  3. havoc
  4. loss
  5. demolition
  6. extermination
Noun
  • Since October 2023, the number and severity of settler attacks have skyrocketed, including arson and other destruction of property, the killing of livestock, violent assaults and murder, taking place almost every day.
    — Kamel Musallet, Sun Sentinel, 7 Aug. 2026
  • While the film has long been remembered for ambition, excess, and destruction, Tyga saw another narrative waiting beneath the chaos—a love story.
    — Desjah Altvater, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of destruction
Noun
  • Scientists expect more wildfire devastation as people move closer to danger and climate change ups wildfire risk.
    — Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026
  • However, the article emphasizes socialism's historical failures, citing the collapse of the Soviet Union and Venezuela's severe economic devastation under socialist policies.
    — Mike Patton, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of devastation
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
  • Even with Saturday’s loss, the Red Sox (64-52) have won 11 of their past 13.
    — Curt Anderson, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
  • The loss dropped Orlando to 2-5 since returning to action from the league’s summer break.
    — Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of loss
Noun
  • The White House announced the construction of the 90,000-square foot ballroom last July, and demolition began suddenly on the East Wing in late October when workers were spotted tearing down that wing of the White House.
    — Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Last week, the UN human rights chief Volker Türk called on Israel to end its occupation and halt the demolition of homes.
    — Ava Bambuck, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of demolition
Noun
  • 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
Definition of extermination

Browse Nearby Words

extinct
extinction
extinctions
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Cite this Entry

“Extinction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extinction. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on extinction

Nglish: Translation of extinction for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about extinction

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