as in to impose
to cause someone to accept or experience something unwanted
The criminal inflicted a lifetime of distress on his unsuspecting victims.
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Recent Examples of inflict
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the damage inflicted by the bombings.
—
Aamer Madhani, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2025
The bunker buster bombs are widely viewed as the only conventional, non-nuclear weapons capable of inflicting serious damage on the Fordo nuclear facility, which is built into the side of a mountain.
—Kevin Breuninger,christina Wilkie, CNBC, 22 June 2025
So far, Israel has inflicted significant but not total damage on Iran’s nuclear program.
—Ali Vaez, Foreign Affairs, 16 June 2025
Trump’s tough talk reflects increasing divisions within his base of support over the mass deportation push, which threatens to inflict significant damage on the U.S. economy, especially industries that rely on undocumented immigrants for a big share of their low-wage labor.
—Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for inflict
Aamer Madhani, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2025
The bunker buster bombs are widely viewed as the only conventional, non-nuclear weapons capable of inflicting serious damage on the Fordo nuclear facility, which is built into the side of a mountain.
—Kevin Breuninger,christina Wilkie, CNBC, 22 June 2025
So far, Israel has inflicted significant but not total damage on Iran’s nuclear program.
—Ali Vaez, Foreign Affairs, 16 June 2025
Trump’s tough talk reflects increasing divisions within his base of support over the mass deportation push, which threatens to inflict significant damage on the U.S. economy, especially industries that rely on undocumented immigrants for a big share of their low-wage labor.
—Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for inflict
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inflict
Verb
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In early 2025, the U.S. imposed new tariffs on Canadian lumber, pushing duties as high as 35%.—
Felicia Jackson,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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The state also referenced the heavy toll a monthslong trial could impose on the families as well as the possibility of lengthy appeals even if Kohberger were to be convicted and sentenced to death, according to the letter reviewed by ABC News.—
Kayna Whitworth,
ABC News,
1 July 2025
Verb
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With new media deals already locked in, the league is riding the momentum into expansion despite the potential labor fight, which could create a possible work stoppage if a new accord isn’t agreed upon by the end of October.—
Eric Jackson,
Sportico.com,
1 July 2025
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Either way, the ceramic mineral complex uses negative ions to seal the hair’s cuticle, locking in moisture while creating long-lasting curls.—
Kiana Murden,
Vogue,
1 July 2025
Verb
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Frankie Grande was forced to compete alone in a two person Battle of the Block Competition when his teammate Caleb abandoned him and sat out.—
Dalton Ross,
EW.com,
5 July 2025
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Initially, the plant’s staff was overwhelmed, forcing Motorola to briefly backtrack on its promise to deliver phones to customers within four days.—
Verne Kopytoff,
Fortune,
5 July 2025
Verb
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After weeks of defense attorneys fighting in court for Abrego Garcia’s return to the United States, the Trump administration brought him back on June 7 to face federal human smuggling charges.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
26 June 2025
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After the trip down memory lane, Storch brought the conversation to the present day and shared his opinion on the criminal charges and violent allegations against the 55-year-old.—
DeMicia Inman,
VIBE.com,
26 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inflict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inflict. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.
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