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
The family told the station the couple travels to the area every year, and that they were last heard from Friday, June 21, the day destructive flash floods drowned the area, downed power lines and damaged roads.
—
Brooke Baitinger, Idaho Statesman, 26 June 2024
Despite several challenges in the country -- including destructive fooding, famine and a recent Civil War -- many animals have survived by sticking to ancient migration routes.
—Jalynn Hilton, ABC News, 25 June 2024
In sufficient concentrations, aluminum oxide easily catalyzes ozone’s destructive reaction with chlorine gas, which splits the ozone molecule and diminishes Earth’s UV shield.
—Max Springer, Scientific American, 25 June 2024
When mowed higher than recommended, warm-season grasses are prone to developing a destructive layer of thatch.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for destructive 
Brooke Baitinger, Idaho Statesman, 26 June 2024
Despite several challenges in the country -- including destructive fooding, famine and a recent Civil War -- many animals have survived by sticking to ancient migration routes.
—Jalynn Hilton, ABC News, 25 June 2024
In sufficient concentrations, aluminum oxide easily catalyzes ozone’s destructive reaction with chlorine gas, which splits the ozone molecule and diminishes Earth’s UV shield.
—Max Springer, Scientific American, 25 June 2024
When mowed higher than recommended, warm-season grasses are prone to developing a destructive layer of thatch.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for destructive
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 2 Jul. 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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