Synonyms for

Wreck

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

Definition

to destroy or damage something badly

Synonyms & similar words

bustup wrack shipwreck crash ruin destroy damage smash crash demolish shatter total break trash devastate mar spoil scuttle sink capsize derelict shipwreck collision

Synonyms by register

Formal

demolish destroy ruin annihilate

Informal

trash wreckage smash mess up

Literary

shatter undo ravage

Antonyms

build create construct repair restore assemble make

Common collocations

  • wreck havoc
  • wreck a car
  • wreck the place
  • wreckage of
  • wreck and ruin
  • wreck a ship
  • wreck damage

Word family

noun wreck
verb wreck
adjective wrecked

Usage note

As a verb, 'wreck' often implies destruction or severe damage, especially to vehicles or buildings. It can also be used informally to mean to ruin or spoil something, as in 'wreck someone's plans'.

Example sentences

  1. The car wrecked into the tree and the driver was injured.
  2. The shipwreck was found at the bottom of the ocean.
  3. The tornado wrecked the entire town.
  4. The basketball player wrecked his knee during the game.
  5. The earthquake wrecked the building and it had to be torn down.

Quotes

  • The wreck is not my fault, I'm only responsible for the painted part of the car.
  • Wreck everything and then fiddle with the wreckage.
  • We are all the wreckage of our past.

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