1
as in curse
a source of harm or misfortune
regarding the new laborsaving machinery as a bane, the 19th-century Luddites went about destroying it in protest
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in poison
a substance that by chemical action can kill or injure a living thing
a plant that is believed to be the bane of the wolf
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Recent Examples of bane
For many Georgians, the roads around Atlanta are not only essential for getting around the state's capital city, but also the bane of their existence.
—
Irene Wright, USA Today, 9 May 2026
This song is meant to add levity to the series and also introduce us to this ridiculous character whose only purpose is to be the bane of Mabel’s existence for the season.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 7 May 2026
Creased undereyes are the bane of my existence.
—Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 5 May 2026
High ticket prices have long been the bane of any concertgoer.
—Chad De Guzman, Time, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bane
Irene Wright, USA Today, 9 May 2026
This song is meant to add levity to the series and also introduce us to this ridiculous character whose only purpose is to be the bane of Mabel’s existence for the season.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 7 May 2026
Creased undereyes are the bane of my existence.
—Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 5 May 2026
High ticket prices have long been the bane of any concertgoer.
—Chad De Guzman, Time, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bane
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bane
Noun
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As Rachel learns about the family curse that threatens her and her betrothed, Morrone digs in with emotional complexity and real grit.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
29 May 2026
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As Frankelda and Herneval grow closer, their bond becomes both a strength and a curse.—
Wilson Chapman,
IndieWire,
28 May 2026
Noun
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Human encroachment on wildlife habitat — along with other threats such as car collisions, rat poison and disease — are threatening the population across the state.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2026
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At least five toxins were detected in his body, including deadly poisons such as mercury and tetrodotoxin, according to reports from Chinese media.—
Sylvie Zhuang,
CNN Money,
28 May 2026
Noun
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An old nemesis showed up in the late moments of Angel City Football Club’s trip to Houston last weekend.—
Damian Calhoun,
Daily News,
30 May 2026
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The Sherlock Holmes franchise continues its expansion with a modern reinvention series focusing on his arch nemesis James Moriarty.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
28 May 2026
Noun
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But some researchers who were involved in the network say the cuts weakened relationships with experts abroad that had been fostered over years, undercutting research collaborations on dangerous diseases like Ebola.—
Theresa Gaffney,
STAT,
3 June 2026
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The company also flags baseline cardiac disease, abnormal ECG, arrhythmia, prior cervical vagotomy, abnormal cervical anatomy, brain tumor or aneurysm history, head trauma, syncope, seizures and nickel allergy as unevaluated risks.—
Samantha Agate,
Sacbee.com,
3 June 2026
Noun
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Portside residents face higher cancer risk from air toxics than 93% of the nation.—
Jose Franco Garcia,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 May 2026
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Asparagus releases a chemical toxic to root knot nematodes, a microscopic round worm that creates multiple disease and growth problems in tomatoes, eggplant, potatoes and peppers.—
Barbara Gillette,
The Spruce,
3 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bane. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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