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
It will be released in July, and has problem-solving features such as a polyurethane outsole to stand up to more destructive tricks.
—
Adrienne So, WIRED, 17 Apr. 2024
Chance Brannon, 24, pleaded guilty last November to all four counts of conspiracy, malicious destruction of property by fire and explosives, possession of an unregistered destructive device, and intentional damage to a reproductive health services facility, according to the Department of Justice.
—USA TODAY, 16 Apr. 2024
Trump’s real power on the Hill, with House Republicans, has always been destructive in nature.
—Jess Bidgood, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2024
Kyle Benjamin Douglas Calvert, of Irondale, will face charges of malicious use of an explosive and possession of an unregistered destructive device, according to a news release from the US Department of Justice.
—Steve Almasy, CNN, 10 Apr. 2024
Those sturdy exterior proteins appear to protect bacteria against the destructive properties of stomach acid.2
The amyloid adhesive also helps the bacteria bind to a specific site on cancer cells, Han said.
—Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 8 Apr. 2024
While there haven't been any major, destructive earthquakes spotted in Kentucky in more than 200 years, the concept shouldn't be completely put out of mind.
—Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 5 Apr. 2024
In the wake of destructive and expensive wildfires in recent years, major insurers have restricted or paused new business and have told many policyholders their coverage would not be renewed.
—Stephen Hobbs, Sacramento Bee, 1 Apr. 2024
As paranoia and accusations fly among a group of wealthy friends isolated in a mansion, the film cleverly uses its premise to test the limits of friendship and trust, as well as expose the destructive nature of secrets.
—Travis Bean, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024
Adrienne So, WIRED, 17 Apr. 2024
Chance Brannon, 24, pleaded guilty last November to all four counts of conspiracy, malicious destruction of property by fire and explosives, possession of an unregistered destructive device, and intentional damage to a reproductive health services facility, according to the Department of Justice.
—USA TODAY, 16 Apr. 2024
Trump’s real power on the Hill, with House Republicans, has always been destructive in nature.
—Jess Bidgood, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2024
Kyle Benjamin Douglas Calvert, of Irondale, will face charges of malicious use of an explosive and possession of an unregistered destructive device, according to a news release from the US Department of Justice.
—Steve Almasy, CNN, 10 Apr. 2024
Those sturdy exterior proteins appear to protect bacteria against the destructive properties of stomach acid.2
The amyloid adhesive also helps the bacteria bind to a specific site on cancer cells, Han said.
—Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 8 Apr. 2024
While there haven't been any major, destructive earthquakes spotted in Kentucky in more than 200 years, the concept shouldn't be completely put out of mind.
—Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 5 Apr. 2024
In the wake of destructive and expensive wildfires in recent years, major insurers have restricted or paused new business and have told many policyholders their coverage would not be renewed.
—Stephen Hobbs, Sacramento Bee, 1 Apr. 2024
As paranoia and accusations fly among a group of wealthy friends isolated in a mansion, the film cleverly uses its premise to test the limits of friendship and trust, as well as expose the destructive nature of secrets.
—Travis Bean, Forbes, 29 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 24 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share