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
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
As such, Congress should include repeal of this unfair and economically destructive tax in the reconciliation bill that it is slated to consider this summer.
—
James Carter, Boston Herald, 9 May 2025
Rates have jumped in the past five years because of increasingly severe weather and wildfires, which are growing more destructive because of the impact of climate change in the state.
—Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 7 May 2025
In a city like Baltimore, where misinformation, stereotypes and destructive cultural narratives hit hardest, media literacy is an antidote to manipulation and mental stagnation.
—S.t. Barnes, Baltimore Sun, 4 May 2025
Tau proteins, although associated with Alzheimer’s, aren’t destructive right from the outset.
—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for destructive
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James Carter, Boston Herald, 9 May 2025
Rates have jumped in the past five years because of increasingly severe weather and wildfires, which are growing more destructive because of the impact of climate change in the state.
—Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 7 May 2025
In a city like Baltimore, where misinformation, stereotypes and destructive cultural narratives hit hardest, media literacy is an antidote to manipulation and mental stagnation.
—S.t. Barnes, Baltimore Sun, 4 May 2025
Tau proteins, although associated with Alzheimer’s, aren’t destructive right from the outset.
—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for destructive
Cite this Entry
“Destructive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/destructive. Accessed 13 May. 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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