vandalism

noun

van·​dal·​ism ˈvan-də-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce vandalism (audio)
Synonyms of vandalism
: willful or malicious destruction or defacement of public or private property

Synonyms of vandalism

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Examples of vandalism in a Sentence

acts of theft and vandalism He was arrested for vandalism.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In addition to the first-degree murder conviction, he was also found guilty of burglary, vandalism, tampering with evidence and evading arrest. — Adam Sabes , Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2026 Some far-right politicians have blamed immigration for the wave of looting and vandalism that battered a number of French cities on October 17. — CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026 The economic impact of business vandalism in France extends the economic consequences of retail theft. — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026 French cities have been shaken in recent weeks by vandalism and looting sparked by cost-of-living demonstrations, amid a broader crisis besieging the country’s lame-duck centrist government that has spiked French bond yields. — Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vandalism

Word History

Etymology

vandal + -ism

First Known Use

1798, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of vandalism was in 1798

Browse Nearby Words

vandalish
vandalism
vandalistic
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Vandalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vandalism. Accessed 2 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

vandalism

noun
van·​dal·​ism ˈvan-dᵊl-ˌiz-əm How to pronounce vandalism (audio)
: intentional destruction or damage to property

Legal Definition

vandalism

noun
van·​dal·​ism ˈvand-ᵊl-ˌi-zəm How to pronounce vandalism (audio)
: the willful or malicious destruction or defacement of property
insurance covering property damage from vandalism and malicious mischief
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