SLASH-AND-BURN Synonyms: 113 Similar and Opposite Words

slash-and-burn

adjective

ˈslash-ən(d)-ˈbərn

Definition of slash-and-burn

as in ruthless

having or showing a lack of sympathy or tender feelings under his slash-and-burn management ethic, even longtime employees were summarily downsized for the sake of corporate competitiveness

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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 slash-and-burn That stark reality forced both sides to wage slash-and-burn propaganda campaigns designed to sow doubt and disinformation among their enemies. — Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025 The Ukrainian experience here points to a Russian slash-and-burn policy. — Scott Peterson, Christian Science Monitor, 1 Oct. 2025 Here and there, a plume of smoke rose up from a field; slash-and-burn farming, locally known as tavy, is still practiced here. — Chris Schalkx, Vogue, 30 Sep. 2025 The slash-and-burn approach to funding academic research counters that goal. — Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 20 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for slash-and-burn

Recent Examples of Synonyms for slash-and-burn

Adjective

Today, it is widely known that coal miners of the 19th and early 20th centuries experienced ruthless exploitation and hazardous working conditions.

— Marcus Librizzi, The Conversation, 26 Oct. 2026
Involuntary bumping is more ruthless, denying boarding to passengers in a joyless game of musical plane seats.

— Andrea Sachs, Washington Post, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of ruthless

Adjective

It would be seen as a work of merciless autofiction in the vein of Karl Ove Knausgaard, and it would be discussed, as his books are, as aggressive, antisocial, and spiteful.

— B. D. McClay, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
In the story, Ria teams up with her foster mother and their fellow punks to resist a merciless developer intent on tearing down their building.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of merciless

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slash

slash-and-burn

slashed

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“Slash-and-burn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slash-and-burn. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of slash-and-burn

adjective

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