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
However, Ukraine’s successes have highlighted its ability to inflict painful damage on Russia and change the course of the conflict while Moscow’s advances recently have ground to a near halt.
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ABC News,
21 June 2026
The global economy in tumult, inflicting financial pain on American citizens that will linger even as oil prices decline.
—
Daniel B. Shapiro,
The Atlantic,
17 June 2026
The finding, drawn from a study linking survey data on borrower beliefs to credit bureau records, puts a precise number on the financial damage inflicted by years of government policy whiplash on student debt.
—
Catherina Gioino,
Fortune,
17 June 2026
To the degradation inflicted by time and nature's tentacles were added NATO bombings.
—
Marzio G. Mian,
Vanity Fair,
16 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for inflict
ABC News,
21 June 2026
The global economy in tumult, inflicting financial pain on American citizens that will linger even as oil prices decline.
—
Daniel B. Shapiro,
The Atlantic,
17 June 2026
The finding, drawn from a study linking survey data on borrower beliefs to credit bureau records, puts a precise number on the financial damage inflicted by years of government policy whiplash on student debt.
—
Catherina Gioino,
Fortune,
17 June 2026
To the degradation inflicted by time and nature's tentacles were added NATO bombings.
—
Marzio G. Mian,
Vanity Fair,
16 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for inflict
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inflict
Verb
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Both countries impose severe penalties on LGBTQ people.
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Starting on July 1, the California Department of Parks and Recreation can now impose new penalties on folks who fail to cancel their campsite reservations in a timely manner or fail to show for their reservation.
Verb
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Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.
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France has largely dominated, controlling 68% of possession and creating a whopping seven shots on goal.
Verb
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Chisholm did not appear to go around and immediately erupted over the lack of an appeal, forcing Boone and first base coach Dan Fiorito to intervene.
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The competing corridors have left shippers confused, forcing vessels to navigate threats from sea mines, aerial drones and IRGC patrol boats.
Verb
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Both wore Portugal flags and brought the patience required for World Cup logistics, where getting to the stadium is an extended — and often pricey — process.
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In 1980, Brown founded Black College Day, attracting 18,000 students to help bring attention to historically Black colleges and universities and encourage students to consider those institutions.
Cite this Entry
“Inflict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inflict. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
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