1
as in insults
harsh insulting language
hometown fans hurled abuse at the visiting team
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in misuses
incorrect or improper use
naturally the furniture had received a lot of abuse from the 10 kids in the family
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in bullies
to inflict physical or emotional harm upon
if you abuse your pet, he will always have an ugly disposition
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in attacks
to criticize harshly and usually publicly
a demanding, difficult patient who constantly abuses the nurses and aides
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in perverts
to put to a bad or improper use
if you abuse your baseball bat by using it to hammer nails, don't expect it to last long
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in exploits
to take unfair advantage of
abused his parents' trust, pilfering small amounts from them that he hoped they wouldn't notice
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of abuses
ProPublica, 3 Oct. 2025
The Soviet Union’s ambitious program of gender equality could never be separated from its abuses of power.
—Elaine Blair, The New York Review of Books, 2 Oct. 2025
His decision — and that of other comics — has become controversial, given Saudi role in 9/11 and the 2018 assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, as well as other human rights abuses and anti LGBTQ+ policies.
—Tom Tapp, Deadline, 2 Oct. 2025
Deinstitutionalization was driven by many forces, including survivors’ accounts ofelectric shock therapy and other abuses in state mental hospitals.
—Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2025
Pakistan has historically supported armed separatist groups in the region, which has been the site of numerous human-rights abuses by the Indian government.
—Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2025
Just months after Bolsonaro left office, in 2023, the Superior Electoral Court, which oversees federal elections, prosecuted the former president for abuses of power linked to spreading misinformation about Brazil’s electoral system.
—Omar G. Encarnación, Foreign Affairs, 29 Sep. 2025
The South Korean government is launching its own investigation into potential human rights abuses and its president is questioning whether future investments should proceed.
—Patricia Lopez, Mercury News, 26 Sep. 2025
Critics say the administration's hard-line stance is aggressive and have accused the agency of racial profiling, ignoring due process rights, and of human rights abuses.
—Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Sep. 2025
Edward Segarra, USA Today, 13 Sep. 2025
Noun
ProPublica is a nonprofit newsroom that investigates abuses of power.
—ProPublica, 3 Oct. 2025
The Soviet Union’s ambitious program of gender equality could never be separated from its abuses of power.
—Elaine Blair, The New York Review of Books, 2 Oct. 2025
His decision — and that of other comics — has become controversial, given Saudi role in 9/11 and the 2018 assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, as well as other human rights abuses and anti LGBTQ+ policies.
—Tom Tapp, Deadline, 2 Oct. 2025
Deinstitutionalization was driven by many forces, including survivors’ accounts ofelectric shock therapy and other abuses in state mental hospitals.
—Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2025
Pakistan has historically supported armed separatist groups in the region, which has been the site of numerous human-rights abuses by the Indian government.
—Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2025
Just months after Bolsonaro left office, in 2023, the Superior Electoral Court, which oversees federal elections, prosecuted the former president for abuses of power linked to spreading misinformation about Brazil’s electoral system.
—Omar G. Encarnación, Foreign Affairs, 29 Sep. 2025
The South Korean government is launching its own investigation into potential human rights abuses and its president is questioning whether future investments should proceed.
—Patricia Lopez, Mercury News, 26 Sep. 2025
Critics say the administration's hard-line stance is aggressive and have accused the agency of racial profiling, ignoring due process rights, and of human rights abuses.
—Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Sep. 2025
Verb
But outside of the ring, Christy hides and represses her lesbianism and winds up marrying her trainer Jim Martin (Ben Foster), who manipulates and physically abuses her.
—Edward Segarra, USA Today, 13 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abuses
Noun
-
On Saturday, McIlroy repeatedly had to step away from his golf ball as spectators shouted obscenities and personal insults at the Irishman.—
Jenna West,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
-
Antoni, a former Heritage Foundation economist, had come under fire for his history of social media posts that used economic stats for partisan purposes, sexist remarks, and insults targeting gay TV anchors.—
Ruth Umoh,
Fortune,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The monkey’s genitals are burned with a candle, and it is placed in a cage with a mongoose, which attacks it.—
Kevin Grasha,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
1 Oct. 2025
-
But together a picture emerges of a long-standing movement eager to stop anyone who attacks a principle or personality its adherents hold dear.—
Steven Zeitchik,
HollywoodReporter,
27 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
There’s an inherent fascination to this kind of exhibitionist lifestyle that the film cannily exploits in its own sleek, advertising-like presentation.—
Dennis Harvey,
Variety,
29 Sep. 2025
-
On Tuesday, Lipa took to her Instagram to directly shut down the Mail’s reporting and tut-tut the article’s style and voice while dismissing it as mere clickbait that exploits a tragedy.—
Kevin Dolak,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The move came on the heels of NFL analyst Rex Ryan's previous criticisms of Sanders’ outspoken nature.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
3 Oct. 2025
-
The criticisms underscore many artists’ aversions to AI creeping into their industry.—
Rachyl Jones,
semafor.com,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Washington Post slams Kamala Harris book tour, says Dems don't 'have time to waste' on former VP.—
,
FOXNews.com,
29 Sep. 2025
-
The charging bear slams against the car as the door closes, swiping at the space where the man's head was moments before.—
Kelli Bender,
PEOPLE,
26 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Breast ultrasound uses sound waves to look at the breast and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses radio waves and magnets to make detailed images, often used for high-risk patients.—
Dr. Megha Gupta,
ABC News,
1 Oct. 2025
-
Our team uses data analysis, with data partner AccuPoint Solutions, and editorial review to compile CNBC's Financial Advisor 100 list.—
Kate Dore, CFP®, EA,Kelli Grant, CFP®,
CNBC,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Complicating matters is the insidious Host character (voiced by Len Cunningham’s father, Liam Cunningham), who manipulates the players’ reality.—
Jennifer Maas,
Variety,
2 Oct. 2025
-
All of this is possible because hackers use a tactic called SEO poisoning, which manipulates Google's search results so their fake websites appear near the top.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
This diabolical, maximalist group oppresses Gazans and its existence ensures the Palestinians will not have a state.—
Zoltan Istvan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Abuses.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abuses. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
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