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Synonyms

smashing

American  
[smash-ing] / ˈsmæʃ ɪŋ /

adjective

  1. impressive or wonderful.

    a smashing display.

  2. crushing or devastating.

    a smashing defeat.


smashing British  
/ ˈsmæʃɪŋ /

adjective

  1. informal excellent or first-rate; wonderful

    we had a smashing time

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Etymology

Origin of smashing

First recorded in 1825–35; smash + -ing 2

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.

Nonfarm payrolls surged by 172,000, smashing expectations of just 88,000, while the U-3 unemployment rate held steady at 4.3%.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 6, 2026

Some of the tracks — like “Piano Concerto No. 0,” which features André literally smashing a piano to smithereens — are obviously comedic.

From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026

McIlroy's pre-tournament prediction of being able to take the sting out of Pennsylvania course by smashing his driver as far as he could proved wide of the mark in a disappointing opening round.

From BBC • May 16, 2026

And it was a smashing success, not only politically, but substantively as well.

From Salon • May 14, 2026

The small crack in the hull that still needs repair, that I made wider by smashing Nate’s axe into it, is rapidly gulping up the cold, dark water of the lake.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam

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