What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
raze
Example
The old factory was razed to make way for a new shopping center. [raze: verb]
Example
The city decided to raze the abandoned buildings in the neighborhood. [raze: infinitive]
destroy
Example
The hurricane destroyed many homes and businesses in the area. [destroyed: past tense]
Example
The company had to destroy the defective products to prevent them from being sold. [destroy: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Destroy is more commonly used than raze in everyday language. Destroy is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while raze is less common and refers specifically to the complete demolition of buildings or structures.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between raze and destroy?
Both raze and destroy can be used in formal and informal contexts, but raze may be considered more formal due to its specific and technical meaning in the context of construction and urban planning.
