Destroy
Destroy verb - To bring to a complete end the physical soundness, existence, or usefulness of.
Usage example: their poor scores on the final exam destroyed any chance they might have had to pass the course
Smash is a synonym for destroy in demolish topic. In some cases you can use "Smash" instead a verb "Destroy", when it comes to topics like help, ruin. popular alternative
Smash
Smash verb - To cause to break with violence and much noise.
Usage example: the drunken guest deliberately smashed a glass against the brick fireplace
Destroy is a synonym for smash in activity topic. You can use "Destroy" instead a verb "Smash", if it concerns topics such as help, demolish. popular alternative
Mutual synonyms
Common collocations
Both words in one sentence
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Bellicus is a warlike male whose answer to everything is to smash and destroy.
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Both are vicious criminals who smash and destroy with glee.
Source: King Koopa Copy - The "Deus ex Mace-ina", due to Hawkgirl's ability to destroy or effectively attack things with the mace that sometimes even guys like Superman can't smash because of magic.
Source: Fan Nickname / Western Animation
Cite this Source
Smash and Destroy. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/destroy/smash
Destroy & Smash. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/destroy/smash>.
Smash or Destroy. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/destroy/smash.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "destroy" and "smash" have occurred on timeline