1
as in distress
a state of great suffering of body or mind
she listened with deep affliction as her daughter told her about the latest trouble she was in
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sorrow
deep sadness especially for the loss of someone or something loved
felt such great affliction over the destruction of the beautiful old home
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3
as in curse
a source of harm or misfortune
alcohol has been his affliction ever since he took his first drink at the age of 12
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
5
as in injury
something that causes loss or pain
cronyism and corruption are afflictions on the body politic
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of affliction
Some of us have both of these afflictions, particularly beyond the age of 40-to-50.
—
Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 19 Aug. 2025
While untreated mental afflictions can now be addressed under state law, the same should be extended to folks suffering from addiction.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 18 Aug. 2025
For this reason, middle age is often a time of crisis in the life of a perfectionist, though the affliction manifests at all ages.
—Leslie Jamison, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2025
Would the same affliction not have affected Queen Elizabeth, who was 4 years older than Princess Margaret?
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 2 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for affliction
Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 19 Aug. 2025
While untreated mental afflictions can now be addressed under state law, the same should be extended to folks suffering from addiction.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 18 Aug. 2025
For this reason, middle age is often a time of crisis in the life of a perfectionist, though the affliction manifests at all ages.
—Leslie Jamison, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2025
Would the same affliction not have affected Queen Elizabeth, who was 4 years older than Princess Margaret?
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 2 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for affliction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affliction
Noun
-
In times of distress and blood loss, the body responds by slowing circulation to our fingers and our toes, preserving blood flow to our heart, and our brain.—
Laura Trujillo,
USA Today,
28 Oct. 2025
-
Severe or prolonged distress when separated from a parent.—
Melissa Willets,
Parents,
28 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Joy, love, and meaningful connections remain possible beyond the sorrow, stigma, and isolation that often accompany a diagnosis.—
Essence,
Essence,
21 Oct. 2025
-
This grim reality evokes a sense of sorrow and powerlessness among women in Paina Bujurg.—
Aishwarya S. Iyer,
CNN Money,
16 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
But, because of the fragile nature of the pumpkin, Bierton understands that it’s not meant to last, which is both a blessing and a curse.—
Meredith Wilshere,
PEOPLE,
25 Oct. 2025
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The pic, from director Marcel Walz and Anathema LLC, follows what happens when a carefree night of partying takes a sinister turn when a group of friends stumble upon an ancient curse and are forced to survive until dawn as a malevolent force begins hunting them.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Directed by Chris Appelhans and Maggie Kang, the film follows a K-pop supergroup who must balance their lives as world-famous pop stars with their secret side hustle as demon slayers.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
22 Oct. 2025
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Never mind The Bear — meet the Boss, fighting the same demons and nagging feelings of self-doubt that would cause Carmy Berzatto to stoically nod in recognition.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
22 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Tyson Kozak left the game with a lower-body injury after just three shifts.—
Matthew Fairburn,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
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According to the Department of Transportation, daylight saving time saves energy, prevents traffic injuries and reduces crime.—
Haadiza Ogwude,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
25 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The wife ushers the two frightened boys behind her, and watches on helplessly as her husband screams in agony and terror, thrashing his arms and legs.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
20 Oct. 2025
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Please, more of Isabella lightly teasing Marty about his tendency to flagellate himself while considering the agony of the human condition.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
17 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Days full of anguish Thousands of miles away from the ICE detention facility in Michigan, Aurelquis Gómez visits her nephew Noah often.—
Zoe Sottile,
CNN Money,
25 Oct. 2025
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Director Josh Boone will cut to a goofy montage right after a moment when a character is supposed to be mired in anguish.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Dart won his first NFL start in a massive upset over the Los Angeles Chargers, the Broncos’ AFC West nemesis, at MetLife Stadium in Week 4.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
21 Oct. 2025
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And Bette’s nemesis, Joan Crawford might have stuck an antique diamond deco bar brooch under her butch-shouldered fur coat in Mildred Pierce.—
Lynn Yaeger,
Vogue,
19 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Affliction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affliction. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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