as in destruction
the act of destroying or damaging something deliberately so that it does not work correctly
Angry workers were responsible for the sabotage of the machines. Officials have not yet ruled out sabotage as a possible cause of the crash.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
1
as in to thwart
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
2
as in to destroy
Related Words
Dissimilar 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 sabotage
Jenna Ryu, SELF, 21 July 2025
Here are seven deadly job interview mistakes that can sabotage your future, no matter your generation, preventing you from landing the job of your dreams.
—Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
Miami Herald, 11 July 2025
This kind of weight-loss sabotage – or yo-yo dieting – has a surprising biological driver: The gut.
—New Atlas, 1 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for sabotage
Noun
On the opposite end of the spectrum, lots of people with abandonment issues will sabotage relationships, Gillis explains, as a way to mentally protect themselves from the pain of being rejected again.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 21 July 2025
Here are seven deadly job interview mistakes that can sabotage your future, no matter your generation, preventing you from landing the job of your dreams.
—Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
Verb
Yan Carlos González, a man who staged a 40-day hunger strike in prison protesting charges of sabotage that carried a 20-year sentence, died earlier this week, according to activists and Cubalex, a group providing legal help to people in Cuba.
—Miami Herald, 11 July 2025
This kind of weight-loss sabotage – or yo-yo dieting – has a surprising biological driver: The gut.
—New Atlas, 1 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for sabotage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sabotage
Noun
-
Hopefully the residents of Hawkins will have peace in the end — but not before more destruction.—
Amaris Encinas,
USA Today,
16 July 2025
-
The result is not just abuses against citizens and their constitutional rights, but the destruction of public trust in police officers and law enforcement in general.—
The Editorial Board,
Oc Register,
15 July 2025
Verb
-
The concept and storyboard work began in the late 90s, but 9/11 happened and plans to film in Africa were thwarted.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
12 July 2025
-
Norton AntiVirus Plus excels with top scores from independent labs and includes a powerful Data Protector feature to thwart ransomware attacks.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
11 July 2025
Verb
-
In return, he was allowed to effectively destroy a nature site of great conservation value.—
Kim Hjelmgaard,
USA Today,
26 July 2025
-
Trump also is destroying the Games’ potential upside.—
Joe Mathews,
Mercury News,
25 July 2025
Verb
-
Herman was particularly frustrated with Comcast upload speeds, which are much slower than the cable service's download speeds.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
14 July 2025
-
Huda then confided in Amaya, claiming the chain of events the night before went a bit differently than was shown, but she, too, was frustrated.—
Breanne L. Heldman,
People.com,
14 July 2025
Verb
-
Some adults agreed, but others made comments about me ruining the mood.—
Nicholas Rice,
People.com,
20 July 2025
-
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
-
Expert cultivators offered guidance Expert cultivators – many of whom had experience working for licensed cultivators in Ohio – were also on hand at the farmers market to teach growing fundamentals and help consumers avoid mistakes that could foil a successful grow.—
Randy Tucker,
The Enquirer,
2 July 2025
-
In 2023, Israel’s intelligence chief disclosed that the country had foiled 27 such Iranian plots abroad.—
Dana Stroul,
Foreign Affairs,
23 June 2025
Verb
-
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
-
Prelim info is stolen Camaro wrecked into a small bus pulling a trailer.—
Harriet Ramos,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
18 July 2025
Verb
-
Video posted to social media by a passenger showed law enforcement escorting a man off the plane with his hands restrained behind his back.—
Aaron Cooper,
CNN Money,
18 July 2025
-
Farrell was then restrained by crew members and escorted off stage.—
Michaela Zee,
Variety,
16 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sabotage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sabotage. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share