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
The governor faces federal charges, including narcotics importation conspiracy and possession of machine guns and destructive devices, along with another conspiracy count.
—
CBS News, 2 May 2026
Last October, federal prosecutors charged Jonathan Rinderknecht with arson for allegedly starting a fire that later developed into the destructive Palisades Fire in California.
—Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 2 May 2026
But it can be used in an emotionally destructive manner, as shown by some tragic outcomes.
—Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026
QuickTake The fire, one of the most destructive in California history, has also led to a flurry of lawsuits against the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power Water, the biggest municipal utility in the US.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for destructive
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CBS News, 2 May 2026
Last October, federal prosecutors charged Jonathan Rinderknecht with arson for allegedly starting a fire that later developed into the destructive Palisades Fire in California.
—Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 2 May 2026
But it can be used in an emotionally destructive manner, as shown by some tragic outcomes.
—Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026
QuickTake The fire, one of the most destructive in California history, has also led to a flurry of lawsuits against the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power Water, the biggest municipal utility in the US.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for destructive
Cite this Entry
“Destructive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/destructive. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
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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