devastations

noun

plural of devastation
as in destructions
the state or fact of being rendered nonexistent, physically unsound, or useless the sheer devastation of the housing development by the forest fire

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of devastations Most of the new songs wrestle with how to seek pleasure while remaining hyperaware of the devastations of the world, and how that tension can make happiness itself feel like a vice. — Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 16 Oct. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devastations
  1. extinctions
  2. losses
  3. demolitions
  4. ruins
Noun
  • Understanding past extinctions says something about the current extinction crisis — and who may survive and who may not.
    — Ari Daniel, NPR, 10 Sep. 2026
  • The project supports countries that are trying to deliver Target 4 of the CBD Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which calls for governments around the world to halt extinctions and improve the conservation status of endangered species.
    — Mya Copeland, Variety, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of extinctions
Noun
  • Though opposing armies suffered heavy losses, neither made any significant territorial gains.
    — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026
  • The Jets, meanwhile, dropped to 0-8 against AFC East opponents under Aaron Glenn, including consecutive losses to New England and Miami.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of losses
Noun
  • By Friday afternoon, Israeli forces had started demolitions in the Farsh al-Hawa area of Hebron.
    — Jeremy Diamond, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026
  • For this historic election, however, unchecked violent crime, home demolitions, chronic underfunding in their communities, West Bank unrest, and the war in Gaza are all motivating Arab voters.
    — Ilan Ben Zion, Christian Science Monitor, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of demolitions
Noun
  • Throughout the South, the people and movement calling itself the Confederacy lay in utter ruins.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Ancient ruins have stood the test of time because they are made of stone.
    — Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of ruins

Browse Nearby Words

devastation
devastations
devastative
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Cite this Entry

“Devastations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devastations. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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