Synonyms for

Destructive

Verb / dɪˈstrʌktɪv / Another word for destructive — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

causing great and irreparable harm or damage

Synonyms & similar words

constructive damaging harmful injurious ruinous disastrous catastrophic devastating lethal deadly dangerous pernicious noxious destructing wrecking disruptive demolishing razing smashing ruining crushing

Synonyms by register

Formal

ruinous damaging deleterious pernicious

Informal

wrecking messy bad

Literary

ravaging scathing withering

Antonyms

constructive creative productive beneficial helpful positive restorative

Common collocations

  • destructive criticism
  • destructive behavior
  • destructive impact
  • destructive force
  • destructive tendencies
  • destructive fire
  • destructive potential

Word family

noun destruction
verb destroy
adjective destructive
adverb destructively

Usage note

Often used to describe actions or forces that cause significant harm or damage. Can imply intent or simply a negative outcome.

Example sentences

  1. The hurricane was very destructive, causing a lot of damage to the coast.
  2. The fire was so destructive that it burned down the entire building.
  3. The earthquake was very destructive, causing many buildings to collapse.
  4. The tornado was very destructive, destroying everything in its path.
  5. The flood was very destructive, washing away homes and businesses.

Quotes

  • The destructive character knows only one watchword: make room; only one activity: clearing away. - Walter Benjamin
  • The age of the earth is about one-third of the age of the universe. An immense amount of geological change has occurred within that time, much of it catastrophic and destructive. - Steven Pinker
  • The destructive power of a lie, the seductive temptation of injustice, and the futility of hatred are all too readily embraced, and all too deadly. - Barack Obama

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