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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Trump has set a July 9 deadline for imposing reciprocal tariffs, but trade talks have run into obstacles including discussions over duties on farm goods, steel and car parts.—
Jennifer Cunningham,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 July 2025
Verb
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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
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This card asks you to retreat, reflect, and create space for healing.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 July 2025
Verb
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Fleetwood, just bogeyed the par-3 16th to open the door for Bradley ended up three-putting for bogey, pushing an eight-footer on his second attempt to save par and force a playoff.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
23 June 2025
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The shutdowns have caused significant disruptions to regional air traffic and forced airlines to reroute flights.—
Amanda Castro
Hannah Parry
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 June 2025
Verb
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The studio has already brought two young Thai female directors into the fold, helming two features: The Great Esarn Heist, (directed by Cantana Tiprachart); and Songkhram Songkran, (the directorial debut of Pisinee Khaosamai).—
Sara Merican,
Deadline,
26 June 2025
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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
Cite this Entry
“Inflict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inflict. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.
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