extinction

noun

ik-ˈstiŋ(k)-shən How to pronounce extinction (audio)
Definition of extinctionnext
as in destruction
the state or fact of being rendered nonexistent, physically unsound, or useless the state's population of moose has been replenished, having once been hunted almost to extinction

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 extinction Once fished to the brink of extinction globally, sand tiger sharks, that iconic aquarium shark with a jaw of protruding, jagged teeth that only a mother could love, have been increasing in the Boston Harbor over the last decade. — Asia London Palomba, Christian Science Monitor, 20 Oct. 2026 But if politics is pushing this industry’s extinction, then here is what some might suggest must be done. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 18 Oct. 2026 The Afia Birago’s puddle frog’s population has been on the brink of extinction from the start. — Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 15 Oct. 2026 Animals that are also on the company’s de-extinction to-do list include the woolly mammoth, the Tasmanian tiger, the ostrich-like moa, and the antelope-like quagga. — Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for extinction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extinction
  1. destruction
  2. devastation
  3. havoc
  4. loss
  5. demolition
  6. extermination
Noun
  • About 90% of the city was flooded ​following the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam, according to the White House.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The suspect, 27-year-old Miguel Alonso Maldonado Soriano of Stafford, Virginia, has been charged with felony destruction of property, trespass with intent to damage, and felony injury to a monument, court records show.
    — Diego Mendoza, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of destruction
Noun
  • The magnitude of the devastation is made personal for all of us.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The painting is named after a Paul Celan poem about the losses and devastation of the Holocaust.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of devastation
Noun
  • Lignel began conversations with the gallery in 2008 as a recession wrought havoc upon the New York art market and the global economy.
    — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Lucas Calderon, owner of Holy Crab, a Coral Gables seafood business that specializes in stone crab home delivery, recalls the havoc Milton wrought on the industry.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of havoc
Noun
  • Fifth-year cornerback Jaden Mickey made some big stops, including a pass breakup, while the defensive front produced four sacks for 37 yards and seven tackles for loss.
    — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 25 Oct. 2026
  • After scoring just four points on six field-goal attempts in Friday’s loss to the Detroit Pistons, Adebayo was much more aggressive in looking for his own offense on Saturday.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of loss
Noun
  • By Friday afternoon, Israeli forces had started demolitions in the Farsh al-Hawa area of Hebron.
    — Jeremy Diamond, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Despite the job cuts, threats of land reduction, talks of privatization and even demolition within some parks, Indigenous groups and park partners have persevered.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of demolition
Noun
  • The extermination company Terminix ranked 50 cities in the United States with the worst rodent infestations and Sacramento is on the list.
    — Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado Updated October 21, Sacbee.com, 21 Oct. 2026
  • For properties other than single-family homes and duplexes, the statute addresses reasonable provisions for clean and safe common areas along with services such as garbage removal and extermination of certain pests.
    — Emma Clapp, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of extermination

Browse Nearby Words

extinct
extinction
extinctions
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Cite this Entry

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

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about extinction

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