Antonyms for the word "destroying" would include preserving, protecting, saving, defending, and conserving, among others. While destroying refers to the act of completely ruining or demolishing something, its antonyms suggest the opposite - the act of maintaining something, ensuring its longevity and functionality. Preserving refers to keeping something in its original state, while protecting refers to preventing harm or damage. Saving suggests rescuing or salvaging something that may have been endangered or lost. Defending involves protecting something from an attack or threat, and conserving suggests using resources wisely and preventing wastefulness. All of these antonyms imply a sense of responsibility and care towards something, in contrast to the reckless destruction.