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
California threatens to make the same mistake if the access to inmate firefighters prevents policymakers from focusing on the structural challenges caused by environmental factors and climate change that are producing more — and more destructive — fires.
—
Justin Hawkins / Made By History, TIME, 31 Jan. 2025
Though nicotine pouches are seen as a less destructive alternative to cigarettes, the American Lung Association stated that nicotine — a highly addictive chemical — is harmful in any form.
—Rachel Raposas, People.com, 31 Jan. 2025
The fires now rank as two of the most deadly and destructive wildfires in California history.
—Tom Yulsman, Discover Magazine, 31 Jan. 2025
The ceasefire is aimed at eventually ending the deadliest and most destructive war ever fought between Israel and Hamas, and securing the release of dozens of hostages abducted in the militant group’s Oct. 7, 2023, attack that ignited the war.
—Mohammad Jahjouh, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for destructive 
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Justin Hawkins / Made By History, TIME, 31 Jan. 2025
Though nicotine pouches are seen as a less destructive alternative to cigarettes, the American Lung Association stated that nicotine — a highly addictive chemical — is harmful in any form.
—Rachel Raposas, People.com, 31 Jan. 2025
The fires now rank as two of the most deadly and destructive wildfires in California history.
—Tom Yulsman, Discover Magazine, 31 Jan. 2025
The ceasefire is aimed at eventually ending the deadliest and most destructive war ever fought between Israel and Hamas, and securing the release of dozens of hostages abducted in the militant group’s Oct. 7, 2023, attack that ignited the war.
—Mohammad Jahjouh, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for destructive
Dictionary Entries Near destructive
Cite this Entry
“Destructive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/destructive. Accessed 7 Feb. 2025.
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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