destructive
adjective
de·struc·tive
di-ˈstrək-tiv 
1
: causing destruction : ruinous
destructive storm
2
: designed or tending to hurt or destroy
destructive criticism
destructively
adverb
destructiveness
noun
Examples of destructive in a Sentence
It was one of the most destructive storms in recent memory.
She argued that the law was destructive of personal liberties.
The school is concerned about the destructive behavior of a few students.
Recent Examples on the Web
This storm surge will be accompanied by large and destructive waves.
—
Miami Herald Hurricane Bot, Miami Herald, 26 Oct. 2025
If using for very stubborn stains, use Oxy Bleach powder, which will be gentler and less destructive.
—Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 26 Oct. 2025
The multi-day event of torrential rainfall is expected to cause catastrophic and life-threatening flooding, as well as destructive winds and life-threatening storm surge through Tuesday.
—David Brennan, ABC News, 26 Oct. 2025
Though the rookie showed promise in his first NBA action, the Celtics were dominated on the glass, dismantled in transition and thumped on both ends of the court throughout a destructive second quarter.
—Jay King, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for destructive
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Miami Herald Hurricane Bot, Miami Herald, 26 Oct. 2025
If using for very stubborn stains, use Oxy Bleach powder, which will be gentler and less destructive.
—Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 26 Oct. 2025
The multi-day event of torrential rainfall is expected to cause catastrophic and life-threatening flooding, as well as destructive winds and life-threatening storm surge through Tuesday.
—David Brennan, ABC News, 26 Oct. 2025
Though the rookie showed promise in his first NBA action, the Celtics were dominated on the glass, dismantled in transition and thumped on both ends of the court throughout a destructive second quarter.
—Jay King, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for destructive
Cite this Entry
“Destructive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/destructive. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
destructive
adjective
de·struc·tive
di-ˈstrək-tiv
1
: causing destruction : ruinous
a destructive storm
2
: designed or tending to hurt or destroy
destructive criticism
destructively
adverb
destructiveness
noun
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