damage 1 of 2

1
2
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

3
4

damage

2 of 2

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 Cougars had done more damage on the ground after a quarter than Delaware had managed for all of the previous week at Folsom Field (84). Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 13 Sep. 2025 The aircraft only sustained minor damage and the two people inside were not injured. Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
Food-storage-container management Tame an unruly collection of food storage containers by taking all of them out, matching the lids to their containers, and getting rid of any pieces that are missing their other half or that are damaged. The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Sep. 2025 Driving through deep water can also damage a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 13 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for damage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for damage
Noun
  • That means having to cut jokes that don't fit his do-no-harm MO.
    Erin Jensen, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Since 1972, The Marine Mammal Protection Act has served as a buffer against this cacophony, giving regulators tools to limit harm and protect species from deadly entanglements, vessel strikes, and industrial noise.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The bill will force cities in large counties in the state to allow projects on properties within one-half mile of certain transit stops, even on land that is not zoned for residential use, or face a fine for violating state law.
    Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 13 Sep. 2025
  • San Diego City Councilmember Jennifer Campbell has admitted violating city record-keeping rules during her 2022 re-election campaign and agreed to pay a $300 fine to resolve the case brought by the San Diego Ethics Commission.
    Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • And the new role had a different sort of perk, in the form of compensation.
    David Mark, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • In 2025, green jobs offer not just solid compensation but also the chance to influence policy, equity, and resilience.
    Monica Sanders, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The ultra-low-cost model clearly isn't providing customer satisfaction, even if the fares look cheap.
    Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Scientists have developed a low-cost, compact power module that can be used in data centers, microreactors, and heavy-duty vehicles.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The severity, healing and availability of Purdy’s toe will depend heavily on which toe is injured and what specific part of the toe got injured.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Almost certainly out this week also is injured receiver Xavier Worthy (shoulder), who provided most of the scant glimmers of hope in the Super Bowl with eight catches for 157 yards and two touchdowns.
    Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • A student who authorities say opened fire at his Colorado high school, wounding two classmates and then turning the gun on himself, has died, according to the local sheriff's office.
    Alex Stone, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Police say Reed then opened fire in the parking lot, killing Jones, wounding a 23-year-old Dallas man and also shooting at off-duty officers who were working at the business.
    Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Petry spent the last two seasons back in Michigan with the Detroit Red Wings, but injuries limited him to 44 games in the 2024-25 season.
    Carol Schram, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • With 15 games remaining, Smith may not have enough time to rehab the injury and return for the end of the regular season.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 14 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • While New York authorities brought murder charges against Mangione that don’t carry a potential death penalty, federal prosecutors have charged him with using a firearm to commit murder and are seeking the death penalty in their case.
    Nick Penzenstadler, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Bringing a firearm through a checkpoint, even accidentally, can lead to criminal charges, civil penalties of up to $15,000 and the loss of TSA PreCheck eligibility.
    Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Damage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/damage. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on damage

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!