1
as in to ravage
to bring destruction to (something) through violent action
the city was devastated, first by the earthquake and then by fires
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to destroy
to bring to a complete end the physical soundness, existence, or usefulness of
the explosion devastated an entire city block
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to overwhelm
to subject to incapacitating emotional or mental stress
we were devastated by the awful news of his death
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of devastate
Just over two weeks after deadly flash floods hit Central Texas, the Kerrville city officials announced the number of missing people has dropped to three in Kerr County, the area most devastated by the disaster.
—
Dante Motley, Austin American Statesman, 20 July 2025
The mussels — known to devastate ecosystems and clog critical infrastructure — had once again found their way to the river that is the backbone of Colorado and the Southwest’s water supply.
—Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 20 July 2025
Executives at small stations — especially those that serve rural or tribal audiences — warn they could be devastated or even knocked off the air when aid from Washington fails to arrive at the start of the fiscal year in October.
—David Folkenflik, NPR, 18 July 2025
In 1950, for instance, Chinese forces intervened in support of Pyongyang in the Korean War, even though China’s economy and society had been devastated by years of civil war.
—M. Taylor Fravel, Foreign Affairs, 18 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for devastate
Dante Motley, Austin American Statesman, 20 July 2025
The mussels — known to devastate ecosystems and clog critical infrastructure — had once again found their way to the river that is the backbone of Colorado and the Southwest’s water supply.
—Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 20 July 2025
Executives at small stations — especially those that serve rural or tribal audiences — warn they could be devastated or even knocked off the air when aid from Washington fails to arrive at the start of the fiscal year in October.
—David Folkenflik, NPR, 18 July 2025
In 1950, for instance, Chinese forces intervened in support of Pyongyang in the Korean War, even though China’s economy and society had been devastated by years of civil war.
—M. Taylor Fravel, Foreign Affairs, 18 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for devastate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for devastate
Verb
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Photograph by Matt Ramey / Redux Chased by Climate Disaster in North Carolina Just days after floods ravaged Texas, Tropical Storm Chantal dumped ten inches of rain on parts of central North Carolina, closing hundreds of roads and killing several people.—
Ian Crouch,
New Yorker,
15 July 2025
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Heavy rains over the July 4 holiday ravaged the Guadalupe River in Kerr County, killing 132 people.—
TJ Macias
July 14,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 July 2025
Verb
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In return, he was allowed to effectively destroy a nature site of great conservation value.—
Kim Hjelmgaard,
USA Today,
26 July 2025
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Trump also is destroying the Games’ potential upside.—
Joe Mathews,
Mercury News,
25 July 2025
Verb
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In greater numbers than ever, children hollowed up by hunger are overwhelming the Patient’s Friends Hospital, the main emergency center for malnourished kids in northern Gaza.—
Wafaa Shurafa,
Chicago Tribune,
25 July 2025
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With no hemming required, each one of these matching sets won’t drag on the floor or overwhelm your small frame.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 July 2025
Verb
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However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.—
Don Sweeney,
Sacbee.com,
20 July 2025
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Nothing ruins the vibe of a beautiful backyard faster than dull, discolored patio furniture that’s more of an eyesore than an inviting lounge spot.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 July 2025
Verb
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Judicial confirmations were once a slower, more contentious process, often requiring 60 votes to overcome a filibuster.—
Samantha-Jo Roth,
The Washington Examiner,
14 July 2025
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Becky Lynch overcame Lyra Valkyria and Bayley to retain the Women’s Intercontinental Championship in what was possibly the match of the night.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
14 July 2025
Verb
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The kids division, ages 5 to 11, was tasked with demolishing a singular slice, or one-fourth, of an entire pie.—
Olivia Cyrus
July 23,
Sacbee.com,
24 July 2025
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That includes plans to demolish the building this summer.—
Tom Daykin,
jsonline.com,
23 July 2025
Verb
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Kurt's key takeaways The Elmo hack shattered more than just a cheerful digital persona.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
20 July 2025
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There are no signs of violence, no visible trauma—only the disquieting certainty that something has shattered inside her.—
Time,
Time,
18 July 2025
Verb
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Prelim info is stolen Camaro wrecked into a small bus pulling a trailer.—
Harriet Ramos,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
18 July 2025
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The immigration storm is an effective diversion from how Trump’s policies are wrecking the government, jeopardizing the economy and forfeiting America’s respect in the world.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
18 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Devastate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/devastate. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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