Antonyms for destructive


Grammar : Adj
Spell : dih-struhk-tiv
Phonetic Transcription : dɪˈstrʌk tɪv


Definition of destructive

Origin :
  • late 15c., from Old French destructif (14c.), from Late Latin destructivus, from destruct-, past participle stem of Latin destruere (see destroy).
  • adj injurious, devastating
  • adj hurtful, disparaging
Example sentences :
  • Destructive wars ensued, which have of late only been terminated.
  • Extract from : « United States Presidents' Inaugural Speeches » by Various
  • But it is offensive to man, insulting to the atmosphere, and destructive of him who uses it.
  • Extract from : « The Call of the Twentieth Century » by David Starr Jordan
  • The great Republic has the root of the destructive matter in her.
  • Extract from : « The Secret Agent » by Joseph Conrad
  • On all sides of Paris the flames rose, proud and destructive.
  • Extract from : « My Double Life » by Sarah Bernhardt
  • You will admit that anger is of a violent and destructive nature?
  • Extract from : « Laws » by Plato
  • The destructive power of the Zepps has been greatly overrated.
  • Extract from : « War Letters of a Public-School Boy » by Paul Jones.
  • The moth of this destructive caterpillar is called Leucania unipuncta.
  • Extract from : « Harper's Young People, September 28, 1880 » by Various
  • It is a destructive but, by comparison, it is a peaceful phenomenon.
  • Extract from : « Tales of Unrest » by Joseph Conrad
  • It flowed from outside—it rose higher, in a destructive silence.
  • Extract from : « Tales of Unrest » by Joseph Conrad
  • This is a man's game, but it's not half so destructive as foot-ball.
  • Extract from : « The Flying Mercury » by Eleanor M. Ingram

Synonyms for destructive

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019