damage 1 of 2

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as in fine
damages plural a sum of money to be paid as a punishment ordered by the court to pay $1000 in damages

Synonyms & Similar Words

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damage

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word damage distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of damage are harm, hurt, impair, injure, and mar. While all these words mean "to affect injuriously," damage suggests injury that lowers value or impairs usefulness.

a table damaged in shipping

When can harm be used instead of damage?

Although the words harm and damage have much in common, harm often stresses the inflicting of pain, suffering, or loss.

careful not to harm the animals

Where would hurt be a reasonable alternative to damage?

In some situations, the words hurt and damage are roughly equivalent. However, hurt implies inflicting a wound to the body or to the feelings.

hurt by their callous remarks

When might impair be a better fit than damage?

The words impair and damage are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, impair suggests a making less complete or efficient by deterioration or diminution.

years of smoking had impaired his health

When could injure be used to replace damage?

While the synonyms injure and damage are close in meaning, injure implies the inflicting of anything detrimental to one's looks, comfort, health, or success.

badly injured in an accident

In what contexts can mar take the place of damage?

The words mar and damage can be used in similar contexts, but mar applies to injury that spoils perfection (as of a surface) or causes disfigurement.

the text is marred by many typos

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 damage
Noun
The Park District has not yet secured permitting for the Centennial improvements, nor for work at Elder Lane Beach, which is temporarily closed due to damage to infrastructure, Nazzal said. Phil Rockrohr, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2025 The condo board at 432 Park Avenue, a super-skinny high-rise on Manhattan’s Billionaire’s Row, claims that real estate firm CIM Group failed to disclose the extent of damage that has resulted in flooding and impacted the value of their multimillion-dollar properties. Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 15 May 2025
Verb
Gary said people who had their homes damaged in the March storms can apply online for federal assistance or meet with state and local officials in person. Neal Earley, Arkansas Online, 16 May 2025 The actual construction is solid, even if the gloss is easily damaged. Mitch Wallace, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for damage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for damage
Noun
  • Brown was charged with grievous bodily harm with intent following an investigation by the Metropolitan Police of London.
    Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 16 May 2025
  • In fact, much of it is inaccurate or misleading, raising a serious health communication problem: Fake health information – whether shared unknowingly and innocently, or deliberately to mislead or cause harm – can be far more captivating than accurate information.
    Angshuman K. Kashyap, The Conversation, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • People found to be distributing images are subject to up to three years in prison, alongside fines.
    James Peckham, PC Magazine, 20 May 2025
  • If convicted, Representative McIver could face up to one year in prison and/or a fine, as she is accused of violating Title 18 of the United States Code, Section 111(a)(1).
    Sophie Clark, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 May 2025
Noun
  • Others had to help Paredes with his job responsibilities without any compensation or reduction to their debt, according to officials.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 20 May 2025
  • Forward-thinking plans support providers with documentation and coding resources to ensure fair compensation.
    Sachin H. Jain, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
Noun
  • Nissan unveiled sweeping new cost cuts on Tuesday, saying the measure would reduce global workforce by 15% and lead to the closure of seven vehicle plants.
    Daniel Leussink, USA Today, 16 May 2025
  • Many companies have been raising prices to mitigate cost increases from the 10% universal tariffs on every product entering the United States and higher levies on Chinese goods.
    Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • According to the Associated Press, no one was injured during the incident, citing court documents.
    Becca Longmire, People.com, 14 May 2025
  • Two people were injured and a dozen apartments left uninhabitable following an early morning fire Wednesday at a three-story apartment building, the second residential fire in Elgin in less than a week.
    Courier-News, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • But both wound up attending St. Augustine Catholic Seminary boarding school in Michigan, studying at Villanova University in Philadelphia and earning divinity degrees together at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.
    Chris Kenning, USA Today, 11 May 2025
  • Russian attacks continue Russian shelling in Ukraine’s northern Sumy region over the last day killed three residents and wounded four more, local officials said.
    Samya Kullab, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2025
Noun
  • The extent of any injuries was not immediately clear.
    Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 18 May 2025
  • Days later, the boy was released from the hospital without any significant injuries.
    Angie DiMichele, Sun Sentinel, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • The penalty for first-time marijuana users can be as severe as up to five years in prison, even if the consumption occurred while the offender was overseas in a place where the drug is legal.
    Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 21 May 2025
  • What are penalties for selling stuff without a permit? Selling things in California without a valid seller’s permit can get you into legal trouble, according to the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration.
    Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 21 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Damage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/damage. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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