Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

She warned that the war had devastated the city's economy, slashing tourist numbers by around 95 percent and forcing hundreds of hotels to close.

From Barron's • May 4, 2026

President Thomas Jefferson’s embargoes and trade restrictions, meant to punish Britain and France, had devastated New England’s port economies.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 11, 2026

She said the discovery had "devastated this town".

From BBC • Sep. 6, 2024

Threats that had devastated the Spix’s macaws still loom, and the birds now face another menace: climate change.

From Seattle Times • May 28, 2024

They gave evidence how eruptions thousands and hundreds of years ago had devastated the area.

From "Mountain of Fire" by Rebecca E. F. Barone