raze

1 of 2

verb

ˈrāz How to pronounce raze (audio)
razed; razing
Synonyms of raze

transitive verb

1
: to destroy to the ground : demolish
raze an old building
2
a
: to scrape, cut, or shave off
b
archaic : erase
razer noun

razer

2 of 2

noun

raz·​er ˈrā-zər How to pronounce razer (audio)
plural -s
: one that razes

Synonyms of raze

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Examples of raze in a Sentence

Verb an entire city block razed by a terrible fire the developer razed the old school building and built a high-rise condominium complex
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Verb
Coming in 2030 will be a proud fusion of iconic Kansas City brands and institutions, enabled by a partnership with Hallmark that starts with razing its headquarters to accommodate the stadium district footprint. — Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2026 The McCoys’ attorney said the house will need to be razed and completely rebuilt. — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Oct. 2026 Designed to last over a century, the building is a rejection of Japan’s disposable architecture, in which structures are razed — and all vegetation on lots ripped out — after a few decades of use. — Tim Hornyak, New York Times, 14 Oct. 2026 Hurricane Katrina in 2005 razed neighborhoods in Mississippi, flooded New Orleans and killed nearly 1,400 people. — ABC News, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for raze

Word History

Etymology

Verb

alteration of rase

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of raze was in the 14th century

Rhymes for raze

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Browse Nearby Words

ray tracing
raze
razee
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Cite this Entry

“Raze.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/raze. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

raze

verb
ˈrāz How to pronounce raze (audio)
razed; razing
: to destroy completely by knocking down or breaking to pieces : demolish
razed the building
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