PULVERIZE Synonyms: 178 Similar and Opposite Words

pulverize

verb

ˈpəl-və-ˌrīz

Definition of pulverize

as in to destroy

to bring to a complete end the physical soundness, existence, or usefulness of buildings pulverized by a killer tornado

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to grind

to reduce to fine particles pulverize the cement into dust for reuse

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 pulverize Overall, the smell reminded me of running over unripe mulberries with a lawnmower, the fruit and grass getting pulverized together in an aromatic amalgamation. — David Thomas Tao, Forbes.com, 9 June 2026 But the biggest beef to be had is in Sarnoski’s insistence to bludgeon us with pulverizing violence, which grows tiresome and repetitive in the carnage-spewing initial 30 minutes. — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 18 June 2026 No previous American leader could plausibly have presided over the scene of a tattooed Brazilian fighter in a black cowboy hat and Lycra shorts running out of the White House, saluted by honor guards, with the intent of pulverizing another human being. — Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 15 June 2026 Among other curiosities were Matthew Howard and Joseph Pereira cheerfully pulverizing Philip Glass’ Fantasy Concerto for Two Timpanists and Orchestra, as well as Boris Allakhverdyan suavely ghosting jazz legend Artie Shaw in his Clarinet Concerto. — Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for pulverize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pulverize

Verb

The most common type of dementia, which destroys memory and cognitive function, was responsible for 116,022 deaths in 2024, NCHS data shows.

— Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
That book is a revenge fantasy about the former art school professor who seduced her, discarded her and destroyed her confidence as a painter.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 2 July 2026

Definition of destroy

Verb

These matchups are intense and, usually, grind-it-out battles of attrition between two proud soccer nations.

— Ben Church, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
Then, Djokovic had the skills to blow his opponents away, but could also grind them down if needed, knowing that his superior fitness and durability would more than likely win out.

— Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 5 July 2026

Definition of grind

Verb

The East Wing of the White House was demolished suddenly in October 2025, and construction at the site, which will be the location of a new 22,000-square-foot ballroom, has continued through mid-2026.

— Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026
Just months later, in October, the East Wing had been demolished without notice to make way for the new ballroom.

— Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 30 June 2026

Definition of demolish

Verb

The team’s findings suggest that crushing concrete and exposing it to air during recycling or shallow burial could dramatically improve its ability to immobilize radioactive contaminants.

— Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 3 July 2026
The vineyard’s primary business is growing and crushing grapes to produce bulk wine for these buyers, some of which are also managing the Canadian market loss.

— Lizzie Kane, Sacbee.com, 3 July 2026

Definition of crush

Verb

Seconds later, a powerful explosion blasted through the doorway, shattering windows and sending vertical blinds and debris flying as firefighters quickly retreated from the building.

— Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
Republican Rick Jackson shattered spending records in Georgia by spending $108 million of his own money into his campaign for governor.

— Greg Bluestein, AJC.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of shatter

Verb

The heart-pounding encounter ended with the calf reunited with its mother, dramatic photos on a cellphone — and the couple continuing on to catch brook trout.

— Kate Brumback, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
Dansby Swanson hit three home runs, including a grand slam, Michael Conforto homered twice and the Chicago Cubs pounded the San Diego Padres 23-3 on Wednesday.

— ABC News, ABC News, 1 July 2026

Definition of pound

Verb

Emanuel Sharp, Isaiah Stevens and Marquel Sutton led the way as the Kings rallied to beat the Golden State Warriors Blue 91-85 on Sunday at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento.

— Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 6 July 2026
Egypt made its way to the round of 16 by beating Australia on penalties.

— Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026

Definition of beat

Browse Nearby Words

pulsing

pulverize

pulverized

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“Pulverize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pulverize. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of pulverize

verb

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