Nelson-Denny Practice Test

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A synonym for "destruction" or "ruin" is?

Devastation
Creation
Construction
Repair

The correct answer is: Devastation

The term "devastation" is an apt synonym for "destruction" or "ruin" because it directly conveys the sense of severe damage or harm. When something is devastated, it implies that it has been devastated to the point of being rendered unusable or in a state of complete disarray, closely aligning with the meanings of destruction and ruin. In contrast, creation and construction denote the act of building or bringing something into existence, which is the opposite of destruction. Repair suggests restoring something that is broken or damaged, which does not align with the idea of total ruin but rather implies a degree of preservation. Therefore, "devastation" fits perfectly within the context of destruction and ruin.