inflict

verb

Definition of inflictnext
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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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 inflict For all the damage that Kennedy has inflicted, his actions on vaccines have largely been piecemeal and procedural. — Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2026 Both Russia and Ukraine are trying through long-range strikes to inflict economic pain, disrupt military supplies and erode public morale. — ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026 Mustafa Ali and Jason Hotch went above and beyond to inflict damage on each other during their match at Total Nonstop Action Wrestling’s (TNA) Lockdown for the International Championship. — Ryan Gaydos Outkick, FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 2026 What happens when the response to the horror of 9/11 becomes an arena for perpetration of further crimes, rather than the healing of wounds already inflicted? — Christopher Coffman, The Conversation, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inflict
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inflict
  1. impose
  2. create
  3. force
  4. bring
Verb
  • Tokayev, who has sought to maintain a delicate balance between Moscow and the West since sanctions were imposed on Russia over the war in Ukraine, has justified the changes by citing the need for rapid decision-making in a fast-changing world.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Zelensky’s five-year term was originally expected to end in 2024, but elections in Ukraine have been postponed under martial law imposed following Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
    — Nathan Hodge, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of impose
Verb
  • In addition, a law creating new asylum eligibility requirements, including new time limits for applying, went into effect earlier this year.
    — Catherine E. Shoichet, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
  • In Freeport, Allen has built the Bahamas Maritime Museum, where relics are cataloged, conserved, and displayed, creating local jobs and drawing tourists.
    — Brett Berk, Robb Report, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of create
Verb
  • His removal triggered mass protests that lasted for weeks but ultimately failed to force a reversal of the decision.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
  • The throw arrived in time but landed several feet short, forcing Knizner in an awkward position to make a difficult pick.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of force
Verb
  • The service The team are friendly, enthusiastic, and genuinely warm, made even more memorable by their vibrant, patterned uniforms that bring extra character to the experience.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Drew Gilbert brought the Giants within two runs by lining a two-run shot over the short right-field fence, then Devers followed up on the next pitch with a solo homer to center.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of bring

Browse Nearby Words

inflexible
inflict
inflicted
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Cite this Entry

“Inflict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inflict. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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