smashing 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of smashingnext
as in striking

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smashing

2 of 3

noun

as in hammering

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smashing

3 of 3

verb

present participle of smash
1
as in shattering
to cause to break with violence and much noise the drunken guest deliberately smashed a glass against the brick fireplace

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2
as in demolishing
to cause to break open or into pieces by or as if by an explosive the firecracker smashed the clay pot

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3
as in destroying
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

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4
as in bumping
to come into usually forceful contact with something we nearly smashed into each other on the skating rink

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 smashing
Adjective
The project is described as Twain’s most autobiographical work yet — a record that reconnects the superstar with her Northern Ontario upbringing while still embracing the genre-smashing instincts that made her one of modern country music’s biggest crossover artists. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 13 May 2026 Their mission, a smashing success, tested a NASA rocket and spacecraft on the first human flight into deep space in more than five decades. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 16 Apr. 2026
Noun
In a little corner of my mind, however, history will always mean the tragic smashing of individual lives by its cruel hands and the scattering of bewildered people reeling from its blows. — Literary Hub, 14 July 2026 The 17-mile (27 km) long proton-smashing tunnel, running 300 feet (100 m) below the ground near the Swiss-French border, is at the heart of the physics research conducted by the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN). — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 29 June 2026
Verb
And while smashing a tanning bed should’ve gotten his point across, Cameron also spoke with InStyle to share more skin care tips, plus a couple beauty bonuses courtesy of his new fiancée. — Irene Richardson, InStyle, 28 Aug. 2026 At the height of the roughly two-and-a-half-hour melee that followed, as many as 1,500 people surged through Westwood Village, smashing windows, looting stores, and vandalizing cars. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for smashing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smashing
  1. striking
  2. hammering
  3. shattering
  4. demolishing
  5. destroying
  6. bumping
  7. impressive
  8. thumping
Adjective
  • Beyond the conventional routes lie some of the world’s most striking volcanic highlands, black-sand beaches, and untamed wilderness—landscapes that reward those willing to venture farther afield.
    — Gwen Nicol, Travel + Leisure, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Much like its London siblings, Chelsea Townhouse offers a striking counterpoint to the slew of large luxury hotels that have opened in the city more recently—a discreet, comfortable brand of luxury without the extra frills.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of striking
Noun
  • This song features a kick drum throughout, and the boosted bass takes it from background timekeeping to foreground hammering.
    — Mark Knapp, PC Magazine, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The Middle East faces chaotic power shifts as Iran, despite taking a hammering, refuses to back down, though its regional influence is expected to wane.
    — Melik Kaylan, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
Definition of hammering
Verb
  • The video shows a customer walking out of Cinnaholic when the girls ride the scooter through the window, shattering the glass.
    — Adam Thompson, CBS News, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Wednesday, which was forecast to be the hottest day of the heat wave, brought record-shattering temperatures across the Southland.
    — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of shattering
Verb
  • Mansfield Timberview signaled state-title ambitions by demolishing West Mesquite 69-7, while White Settlement Brewer knocked off Class 6A Haltom 31-14 to open Class 5A play.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Aug. 2026
  • While members of the public and the architectural community have criticized the Rike Tubes for altering the character of Tbilisi’s historic old town, some favored relocating them to a more suitable setting rather than demolishing them.
    — Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of demolishing
Verb
  • Demonstrators carrying Spanish flags moved toward beachside migrant camps last week, destroying shelters and setting fires as police attempted to keep protesters and migrants apart, according to Spain’s public broadcaster RTVE and news agency EFE.
    — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Several homeowners near Meta’s massive Newton County data center have filed a lawsuit accusing the tech company and others of tainting their water and destroying their rural way of life.
    — Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of destroying
Verb
  • Bonhams is bumping its buyer’s premium up to 30 percent from 28 percent for bids of £25,000 ($33,700) or less.
    — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Still, with the right conditions, getting close to beds without bumping deer becomes much easier.
    — Josh Honeycutt, Outdoor Life, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of bumping
Adjective
  • Besiktas had been chasing Joe Willock, who seemed a shoo-in to depart, but an impressive start under Jaissle brought a rethink; a contract extension is possible.
    — George Caulkin, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • My mom’s longtime favorite flip-flops have a super impressive discount today, so act fast to snap them up before summer officially comes to a close.
    — Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of impressive
Noun
  • Down there in the air the buzz of the vacuum cleaner on carpets and the thumping of carpets against the walls.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The rain disappeared, and even the thumping of other Throttle concerts elsewhere on their 600-acre grounds seemed to fade.
    — Angela George, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of thumping

Browse Nearby Words

smashes
smashing
smashup
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Cite this Entry

“Smashing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smashing. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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