smash 1 of 2

Definition of smashnext
1
2
as in to demolish
to cause to break open or into pieces by or as if by an explosive the firecracker smashed the clay pot

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in to destroy
to bring to a complete end the physical soundness, existence, or usefulness of the invading troops smashed the resistance and went on to conquer the country

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4
1
2
as in crash
the violent coming together of two bodies into destructive contact the sound of the smash made all of the bystanders immediately whip their heads around

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
4
5

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 smash
Verb
Two men stole a diamond necklace worth millions of dollars from Vienna’s Museum of Applied Arts (MAK) on Thursday, after entering the museum as ordinary visitors and smashing open a display case. Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 28 Aug. 2026 The pair smashed a window in a door about midnight and reached inside to activate the push bar, according to Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers. Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Noun
Her film career, meanwhile, included a supporting role in the smash hit The Poseidon Adventure (1972) and a maternal turn in the coming-of-age survival classic A Cry in the Wild (1990). Maggie Fremont, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Aug. 2026 The sentiment set the table for a record that often suggests what might’ve happened if the band had released a transitional album in 1995, between their debut 1994 alt-rock smash The Blue Album and their 1996 emo-adjacent masterpiece Pinkerton. Jon Dolan, Rolling Stone, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for smash
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smash
Verb
  • As dark occurrences begin to shatter the quiet of their isolated home, the boy is forced to navigate a harrowing psychological nightmare where the line between real-world madness and supernatural terror blurs.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Both Russia and China have tested missiles that destroy satellites; a Russian test in 2021 shattered an inactive satellite into more than a thousand pieces.
    Jeffrey Lewis, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Smashing the grid of the encyclopedic museum has meant that Govan literally had to demolish the institution’s former structures.
    George Baker, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Now it will be demolished and replaced as part of a $250 million sports complex project.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • In 2025, Ukraine smuggled over 100 drones into Russia inside cargo trucks to conduct strikes that damaged or destroyed roughly one-third of Russia’s active bomber fleet and caused approximately $7 billion in damages.
    Seth G. Jones, Foreign Affairs, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Some 36,000 houses and buildings were destroyed or damaged, and more than 2,000 people are still living in evacuation centers, including school gymnasiums and community centers.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Errands, chores, or work needs may bump against your desire for ease, beauty, or personal space.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Earlier this month, Peacock bumped its pricing, ahead of the new NBA and NFL season.
    Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The collision was at least partially blamed for preventing the Reds from recording the third out and allowing the inning to continue.
    Chantz Martin OutKick, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The minibus taxi burst into flames and was reduced to a shell following the collision, according to local media, which published pictures of the wreckage.
    ABC News, ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Neither Woods nor the driver of the truck reported injuries from the crash.
    Bob Harkins, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Steele previously approved an agreement in July which allowed prosecutors to review medical records related to Woods’ crash and arrest.
    Ryan Gaydos OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • If the aim, as stated, is to deal an economic blow to Iran, the fact is that the country is already under severe strain.
    Hamidreza Azizi, Time, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The impact of yesterday’s sharp drop in South Korean equities transmitted further into US markets overnight, spreading selling sentiment and dealing heavy blows to US semiconductor and memory stocks.
    , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • With incomings, Newcastle’s summer started with a whimper and ended with a bang, a slow-burn of early rejections from high-profile targets which did little to ease a sense of disquiet among supporters.
    George Caulkin, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The catamaran, carrying 267 passengers and crew from Kyrenia to Turkey, sank in waters over 1,600 feet deep as survivors described loud bangs, sudden listing and passengers trapped inside.
    Andrew Wilks, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Smash.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smash. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!