destructive
adjective
de·struc·tive
di-ˈstrək-tiv 
1
: causing destruction : ruinous
destructive storm
2
: designed or tending to hurt or destroy
destructive criticism
destructively
adverb
destructiveness
noun
Synonyms
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
In the 2008 novel, eclipses are seen as destructive.
—
Olivia B. Waxman, TIME, 4 Apr. 2024
In calling attention to the destructive impact of prejudice on the present moment, Angelou challenges us to confront our biases, dismantle oppressive systems, and strive for a world where all are treated with dignity and respect.
—Shelby Stewart, Essence, 4 Apr. 2024
Russian fighter jets pounded Ukrainian positions in Avdiivka constantly with highly destructive glide bombs.
—Claire Harbage, NPR, 4 Apr. 2024
Taiwan’s earthquake preparedness has evolved over the past few decades in response to some of the island’s largest and most destructive quakes.
—John Yoon, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2024
Dangerous storms were already ongoing Tuesday morning in the Ohio Valley with numerous tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings issued, but a new round will fire up Tuesday afternoon and evening, presenting the greatest risk for destructive weather.
—Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN, 2 Apr. 2024
Over the last 10 years the Golden State has suffered 14 of its 20 most destructive wildfires on record, with insured losses topping $45 billion, according to the Insurance Information Institute.
—John Woolfolk, The Mercury News, 1 Apr. 2024
Ever since the destructive clash between North and South 200 years ago, oceans have separated American homes from battlefields.
—EW.com, 28 Mar. 2024
Major carriers have discontinued or restricted coverage in recent years following a series of costly wildfires — 14 of California’s 20 most destructive wildfires burned the state in the last 10 years.
—John Woolfolk, The Mercury News, 23 Mar. 2024
Olivia B. Waxman, TIME, 4 Apr. 2024
In calling attention to the destructive impact of prejudice on the present moment, Angelou challenges us to confront our biases, dismantle oppressive systems, and strive for a world where all are treated with dignity and respect.
—Shelby Stewart, Essence, 4 Apr. 2024
Russian fighter jets pounded Ukrainian positions in Avdiivka constantly with highly destructive glide bombs.
—Claire Harbage, NPR, 4 Apr. 2024
Taiwan’s earthquake preparedness has evolved over the past few decades in response to some of the island’s largest and most destructive quakes.
—John Yoon, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2024
Dangerous storms were already ongoing Tuesday morning in the Ohio Valley with numerous tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings issued, but a new round will fire up Tuesday afternoon and evening, presenting the greatest risk for destructive weather.
—Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN, 2 Apr. 2024
Over the last 10 years the Golden State has suffered 14 of its 20 most destructive wildfires on record, with insured losses topping $45 billion, according to the Insurance Information Institute.
—John Woolfolk, The Mercury News, 1 Apr. 2024
Ever since the destructive clash between North and South 200 years ago, oceans have separated American homes from battlefields.
—EW.com, 28 Mar. 2024
Major carriers have discontinued or restricted coverage in recent years following a series of costly wildfires — 14 of California’s 20 most destructive wildfires burned the state in the last 10 years.
—John Woolfolk, The Mercury News, 23 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'destructive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near destructive
Cite this Entry
“Destructive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/destructive. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
destructive
adjective
de·struc·tive
di-ˈstrək-tiv
1
: causing destruction : ruinous
a destructive storm
2
: designed or tending to hurt or destroy
destructive criticism
destructively
adverb
destructiveness
noun
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