Synonyms for

Devastating

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

Definition

causing great damage or destruction

Synonyms & similar words

laywasteto scourge annihilating annihilative desolate crushing waste ravage devastate withering destructive ruinous catastrophic disastrous tragic harmful damaging wrecking crushing overwhelming crushing injurious fatal deadly lethal calamitous painful grievous heartbreaking soul-destroying

Synonyms by register

Formal

catastrophic ruinous crippling calamitous

Informal

awful terrible crushing gutting

Literary

baleful dire ruinous

Antonyms

constructive beneficial helpful harmless mild minor slight

Common collocations

  • devastating impact
  • devastating effect
  • devastating blow
  • devastating loss
  • devastating consequences
  • devastating earthquake
  • devastating fire

Word family

noun devastation
verb devastate
adverb devastatingly

Usage note

Devastating implies extreme destruction or damage, often with a strong emotional impact. It is generally used for significant negative events or consequences.

Example sentences

  1. The earthquake was devastating for the small village.
  2. The loss of her pet was devastating for the little girl.
  3. The fire was devastating and destroyed the entire building.
  4. The tornado was devastating to the town and left many homeless.
  5. The flood was devastating and caused a lot of damage to homes and businesses.

Quotes

  • The loss of a friend is like that of a limb; time may heal the anguish of the wound, but the loss cannot be repaired. - Robert Southey
  • The loss of a loved one is one of the most tragic and devastating things a person can experience. - Beau Biden
  • The loss of a child is the most devastating event a parent can face. - John Thune

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