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 For France, long accustomed to wildfires along arid stretches of the Atlantic and Mediterranean, the devastation in Le Porge has yielded rare consensus that its fire safety system is not up to fighting mega-fires brought on by climate change. — Michael Finnegan, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026 Hunter said it’s been sad to see photos of the devastation wrought by the fire. — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Aug. 2026 Well, take a look at the devastation here where that flood wall ripped through this village on the Trishuli River, taking out most of this community. — ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026 Drone footage also shows flooding devastation along the river as mud and floodwaters engulf riverside communities. — Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 The devastation from the flash floods that hit Nepal Wednesday is being felt in New York City. — Lisa Rozner, CBS News, 27 Aug. 2026 But the work is ongoing because the level of devastation is staggering. — Kirk Siegler, NPR, 25 Aug. 2026 The devastation causes the world’s nations to unite to combat climate change. — Peter Prengaman, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2026 The movie is wondrously attuned to the mundane, to the absurd humor and gentle devastation that lives in the everyday — and in so much of his work. — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 24 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devastation
  1. destruction
  2. havoc
  3. loss
  4. extinction
  5. demolition
Noun
  • The deadly wall of water that descended from the mountains on the border between Nepal and Tibet caused destruction at least 62 miles downriver from the border in Nepal, an ABC News analysis of verified video and satellite images shows.
    — Jon Haworth, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Trump has also promoted the destruction of Iran's nuclear facilities and navy, and the reduction in missile and drone capabilities, as measures of success.
    — Bart Jansen, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of destruction
Noun
  • His worldview has brought nothing but havoc to Americans, whereas Parton provided a guidebook for a national redemption.
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • After a stop in the NFL, former Mississippi tight end Dae’Quan Wright could be heading to LSU thanks to a court order that is creating havoc throughout college sports by allowing Wright and others an unexpected fifth year of eligibility.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of havoc
Noun
  • Mayer’s three professional defeats have now all come in England, following split-decision losses to Alycia Baumgardner in London in 2022 and Natasha Jonas in Liverpool in 2024.
    — Amelie Claydon, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026
  • After missing the playoffs in 2025, Martin started off on a great note, handing a solid Mansfield program a 38-35 loss.
    — Charles Baggarly August 29, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of loss
Noun
  • In 2023, Gates, along with Suleyman, Hassabis, and hundreds of other tech and policy leaders, signed a statement saying the risk of extinction from AI should be treated as a global priority alongside pandemics and nuclear war.
    — Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Free mall parking is the latest complimentary perk on the verge of extinction.
    — Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of extinction
Noun
  • Barlow credits that at least partially to the demolition of the Timothy Cheney House, a landmark mansion on East Center Street since the early 1700s.
    — Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Miami Beach today may be filled with newcomers, cranes and construction, deals and demolitions.
    — Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 27 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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