devastation
4 synonyms for devastation, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Widespread destruction, or the state of having been destroyed.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
ravaging
desolation
How to use devastation
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
widespread devastation
scenes of devastation
Etymology
From Middle French dévastation.
Full origin of devastation →Frequently asked questions
What does “devastation” mean?
The word “devastation” means widespread destruction, or the state of having been destroyed. In plain terms, total ruin left behind after a disaster.
How do you pronounce “devastation”?
“Devastation” is pronounced deh-vuh-STAY-shn (/ˌdɛ.vəˈsteɪ.ʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “devastation” in a sentence?
Here is “devastation” used in a sentence: “Photos showed the sheer devastation left by the flood.”
What is another word for “devastation”?
Words with a similar meaning to “devastation” include havoc.
What part of speech is “devastation”?
“Devastation” is a noun.
Where does the word “devastation” come from?
The word “devastation” comes from Middle French. From Middle French dévastation.
Is “devastation” a common word?
“Devastation” is an uncommon word in modern English.
