destructive

adjective

de·​struc·​tive di-ˈstrək-tiv How to pronounce destructive (audio)
Synonyms of destructive
1
: causing destruction : ruinous
destructive storm
2
: designed or tending to hurt or destroy
destructive criticism
destructively adverb
destructiveness noun

Synonyms of destructive

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Examples of destructive in a Sentence

It was one of the most destructive storms in recent memory. She argued that the law was destructive of personal liberties. The school is concerned about the destructive behavior of a few students.
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.
Steiner said the area has a history of destructive mountain hazards. — Sibi Arasu, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026 The Hawk Fire that's been threatening Reno, Nevada is the latest destructive wildfire in the West in recent weeks that investigators believe was human-caused. — Kirk Siegler, NPR, 27 Aug. 2026 Saving our forests from catastrophic fire while allowing slow-burning fires to replenish our landscapes will take everyone pulling together in the next 10 years on projects that feel, well, downright destructive. — Megan Schrader, Denver Post, 27 Aug. 2026 Earlier this month as a hurricane, the outer bands of Lala battered Hawaii and caused destructive flooding. — ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for destructive

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of destructive was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing destructive

Rhymes for destructive

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Browse Nearby Words

destructionist
destructive
destructive distillation
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Destructive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/destructive. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

destructive

adjective
de·​struc·​tive di-ˈstrək-tiv How to pronounce destructive (audio)
1
: causing destruction : ruinous
a destructive storm
2
: designed or tending to hurt or destroy
destructive criticism
destructively adverb
destructiveness noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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