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
But, as climate change becomes increasingly destructive, the need still outstrips the available care.
—
The Arizona Republic, 25 Apr. 2024
An invasive, destructive pest has been found again in Cincinnati.
—Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 25 Apr. 2024
Ohtani, however, was ready as ever, capitalizing on his first-pitch discipline with yet another destructive display.
—Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2024
Over roughly two hours, the horses wove a destructive path across some 6 miles of the city.
—Rachel Treisman, NPR, 24 Apr. 2024
Sanctions can be highly destructive by weakening national economies, undermining health systems, and limiting access to foodstuffs and essential technologies—often strengthening the hand of the very governments the sanctions seek to undermine.
—Lisa Anderson, Foreign Affairs, 23 Apr. 2024
The transition to electric vehicles stands to significantly increase lithium mining, which is an environmentally destructive process.
—USA TODAY, 22 Apr. 2024
But after years of disruptive and sometimes destructive protesters often getting a slap-on-the-wrist treatment in the courts, his comments reflect growing calls for tougher consequences from the public and legislators.
—Rick Hurd, The Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2024
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
The Arizona Republic, 25 Apr. 2024
An invasive, destructive pest has been found again in Cincinnati.
—Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 25 Apr. 2024
Ohtani, however, was ready as ever, capitalizing on his first-pitch discipline with yet another destructive display.
—Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2024
Over roughly two hours, the horses wove a destructive path across some 6 miles of the city.
—Rachel Treisman, NPR, 24 Apr. 2024
Sanctions can be highly destructive by weakening national economies, undermining health systems, and limiting access to foodstuffs and essential technologies—often strengthening the hand of the very governments the sanctions seek to undermine.
—Lisa Anderson, Foreign Affairs, 23 Apr. 2024
The transition to electric vehicles stands to significantly increase lithium mining, which is an environmentally destructive process.
—USA TODAY, 22 Apr. 2024
But after years of disruptive and sometimes destructive protesters often getting a slap-on-the-wrist treatment in the courts, his comments reflect growing calls for tougher consequences from the public and legislators.
—Rick Hurd, The Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2024
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
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 May. 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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