extinction

noun

ik-ˈstiŋ(k)-shən How to pronounce extinction (audio)
Definition of extinctionnext
as in destruction
the state or fact of being rendered nonexistent, physically unsound, or useless the state's population of moose has been replenished, having once been hunted almost to extinction

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 extinction Population rise The current population contrasts sharply with the late 19th century, when hunting and habitat exploitation nearly drove the reptiles to extinction. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026 But it's not lost on Lamm that many people are inspired by the idea of bringing animals back from extinction, especially young people. — Colleen McKown, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2026 Occasionally around this time of year a studio will throw one out as Oscar bait, but a form that was once a big part of the movie diet now seems headed for extinction. — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026 The plot beneath the tower is owned by the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, the college on Astor Place that is attempting to stabilize its own finances after facing down an extinction-level event several years ago. — Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for extinction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extinction
  1. destruction
  2. devastation
  3. havoc
  4. loss
  5. demolition
  6. extermination
Noun
  • The end of saving money and raising middle-class wages justifies the means, namely, the destruction of immigrant families.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The destruction releases vast stores of carbon, adding to climate change that is already contributing to drought and forest fires across the tropics.
    — Ruben Nyanguila, semafor.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of destruction
Noun
  • The devastation spread on a sunny, calm weekend without warning.
    — Alicia Victoria Lozano, NBC news, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Most of the new songs wrestle with how to seek pleasure while remaining hyperaware of the devastations of the world, and how that tension can make happiness itself feel like a vice.
    — Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of devastation
Noun
  • The Misfits Complementing spring’s embrace of graphic havoc is an intriguing offness of fit, as seen at Jil Sander, Givenchy, and Lii.
    — Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Deleting a second has never previously been attempted and could create havoc in today’s digitally time-stamped world.
    — Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of havoc
Noun
  • If the answer is yes, the efficiency gain may be a competitive loss in disguise.
    — Matt Alt, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • The British Antarctic Survey researchers emphasize that future losses could be exacerbated if emissions are not reduced.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of loss
Noun
  • Over the past several months, Israel has carried out large-scale demolitions in villages that its troops occupy.
    — Bassem Mroue, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
  • City leaders led another round of demolition at South Fulton's Camelot Condominiums on Friday.
    — La'Tasha Givens, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of demolition
Noun
  • For properties other than single-family homes and duplexes, the statute addresses reasonable provisions for clean and safe common areas along with services such as garbage removal and extermination of certain pests.
    — Emma Clapp, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2026
  • California’s system of water law dates back to the Gold Rush, when the state government promoted the extermination of Native people to make way for white settlers.
    — Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of extermination

Browse Nearby Words

extinct
extinction
extinctions
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Cite this Entry

“Extinction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extinction. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on extinction

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about extinction

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