extinctions

noun

plural of extinction
as in devastations
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

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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 extinctions The project supports countries that are trying to deliver Target 4 of the CBD Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which calls for governments around the world to halt extinctions and improve the conservation status of endangered species. — Mya Copeland, Variety, 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 Instant extinctions are not limited to mechanical innovations like photography and cinematography, however. — Wyatt Williams, Harpers Magazine, 26 May 2026 Although the cartilaginous fish have survived the last five extinctions our planet has faces, more than a third of shark and ray species are threatened with extinction due to overfishing, habitat loss and climate change. — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026 While extinctions are always multi-faceted, the extermination of some species can be almost directly linked to the insatiable appetites of modern humans. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026 Our work, published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society, recognizes that, while there are gaps in our knowledge of biodiversity loss, conservation has prevented many extinctions and allowed some once-declining species to flourish. — John L. Gittleman, Washington Post, 20 Mar. 2026 The fossil record suggests these massive creatures disappeared during the sweeping extinctions that marked the end of the Pleistocene. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Mar. 2026 In a study of 926 species across climatic zones, 47% are undergoing local extinctions, just like the lizards. — Sarah Henry, AZCentral.com, 22 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extinctions
  1. losses
  2. demolitions
Noun
  • With the economy showing job losses, many professionals are looking to start businesses.
    — Elaine Pofeldt, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026
  • The National Institute of Building Sciences estimates that a dollar spent on hazard mitigation returns about $6 in avoided losses.
    — Ravi S. Bhalla, New York Daily News, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of losses
Noun
  • Somebody could also theoretically nominate Crown Center for local historic status, which could allow the Historic Preservation Commission to delay demolitions for up to three years.
    — Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 7 Aug. 2026
  • McMahon said seven office buildings are planned for redevelopment with the potential to create more than 750 residential units, with some demolitions likely.
    — Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 17 June 2026
Definition of demolitions

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extinction
extinctions
extinguish
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Cite this Entry

“Extinctions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extinctions. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on extinctions

Nglish: Translation of extinctions for Spanish Speakers

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