Thesaurus results for INFLICT

inflict

verb

Definition of inflict

as in to impose

to cause someone to accept or experience something unwanted The criminal inflicted a lifetime of distress on his unsuspecting victims.

Related Words

Relevance

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of inflict He has been charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, inflicting serious injury, the department said. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 27 Aug. 2026 In response, Ukraine has hit high-profile targets on Russian soil as the countries inflict mutual destruction. — Hanna Arhirova, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026 His government is now preparing for levies that will inflict economic harm on both sides of the border. — Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 27 Aug. 2026 The Israeli military said Hezbollah had fired two explosive drones at Israeli troops near the southern city of Nabatiyeh earlier Thursday, though the drones did not inflict any casualties among troops before one was shot down. — ABC News, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inflict

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inflict

Verb

And while several Asian countries imposed emergency measures to conserve fuel, a lengthy and catastrophic shortage never materialized.

— Katie Silver, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026
Meta agreed to impose changes including a default two-hour daily time limit for teens across Facebook and Instagram, muted notifications during school hours, and enhanced parental controls, with more updates potentially on the horizon.

— Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of impose

Verb

Designed as a therapeutic companion, the robot resembles a baby seal and uses soft fur, gentle movements, and responsive sounds to create the calming presence of a living pet.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
This poplin maxi skirt is stylish, and its A-line cut can create a flattering silhouette on all body types.

— Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of create

Verb

As more cars wrecked behind the incident, NASCAR was forced to throw the caution flag — freezing the field with Preece in front.

— Jeff Gluck, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026
Sometimes, operators were forced to drain one pond and divert its water to save fish in another, the Hungarian Aquaculture and Fisheries Inter-branch Organization said in early August.

— ABC News, ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of force

Verb

The Moon enters Aries and your 11th House of Friends, Community, and Future Plans, bringing energy to invitations, brainstorms, and shared goals.

— Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Aug. 2026
Brooks Lee hit a two-run home run and Kody Clemens had a solo home run, bringing the Twins within 4-3.

— LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of bring

Browse Nearby Words

inflexible

inflict

inflicted

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Inflict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inflict. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of inflict

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

matriculate

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes