vandalism
noun
van·dal·ism
ˈvan-də-ˌli-zəm 
: willful or malicious destruction or defacement of public or private property
Examples of vandalism in a Sentence
acts of theft and vandalism
He was arrested for vandalism.
Recent Examples on the Web
Research also found that even vehicles with the upgrade still showed higher theft or vandalism claim rates compared to many other brands, because thieves may attempt break-ins even if full theft isn’t successful, according to IIHS Crash Testing.
—
Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 22 Oct. 2025
Lacy confirmed police have been previously called to the church for vandalism of a sign.
—Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2025
The violence resulted in three deaths, dozens of injuries and 44 arrests, amid multiple incidents of rape, vandalism and arson.
—Jem Aswad, Variety, 19 Oct. 2025
While some individuals identifying with Antifa have engaged in vandalism or confrontations at protests, most activity linked to the movement involves counter-demonstrations, community organizing, and local activism.
—Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vandalism
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Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 22 Oct. 2025
Lacy confirmed police have been previously called to the church for vandalism of a sign.
—Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2025
The violence resulted in three deaths, dozens of injuries and 44 arrests, amid multiple incidents of rape, vandalism and arson.
—Jem Aswad, Variety, 19 Oct. 2025
While some individuals identifying with Antifa have engaged in vandalism or confrontations at protests, most activity linked to the movement involves counter-demonstrations, community organizing, and local activism.
—Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vandalism
Cite this Entry
“Vandalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vandalism. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
vandalism
noun
van·dal·ism
ˈvan-dᵊl-ˌiz-əm
: intentional destruction or damage to property
Legal Definition
vandalism
noun
van·dal·ism
ˈvand-ᵊl-ˌi-zəm
: the willful or malicious destruction or defacement of property
insurance covering property damage from vandalism and malicious mischief
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