as in to impose
to cause someone to accept or experience something unwanted
The criminal inflicted a lifetime of distress on his unsuspecting victims.
Related Words
Relevance
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
The American war of choice on Iran will inflict widespread suffering across the world for a long time.
—
Wyatt Williams, Harpers Magazine, 2 June 2026
Some of these people are trying to inflict harm on this transaction really because of their own antisemitic views.
—Todd Spangler, Variety, 2 June 2026
In her letter, which contained redactions, Schubert also took note of Weathers’ two prior felony convictions for possession of rock cocaine and one prior conviction for felony assault with force likely to inflict great bodily injury in February 2009.
—Reeti Malhotra, Sacbee.com, 1 June 2026
Some of these people are trying to inflict harm on this transaction really because of their own antisemitic views.
—Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for inflict
Wyatt Williams, Harpers Magazine, 2 June 2026
Some of these people are trying to inflict harm on this transaction really because of their own antisemitic views.
—Todd Spangler, Variety, 2 June 2026
In her letter, which contained redactions, Schubert also took note of Weathers’ two prior felony convictions for possession of rock cocaine and one prior conviction for felony assault with force likely to inflict great bodily injury in February 2009.
—Reeti Malhotra, Sacbee.com, 1 June 2026
Some of these people are trying to inflict harm on this transaction really because of their own antisemitic views.
—Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for inflict
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inflict
Verb
-
The House of Representatives again overrode Republican leaders to pass a bill that would authorize billions of dollars in aid to Ukraine and impose sanctions on Russia.—
Zachary Schermele,
USA Today,
5 June 2026
-
The House's effort to circumvent leadership on support for Ukraine comes as bipartisan legislation in the Senate to impose new economic sanctions on Russia has languished for more than a year, with senators waiting for a green light from the White House.—
Caitlin Yilek,
CBS News,
5 June 2026
Verb
-
Hilton wants to restore California’s competitive edge as a place for productions by creating financial incentives for film productions, cover the initial and technical costs associated with the development of a film or television project and reserve funding for independent and mid-budget projects.—
Karen Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2026
-
This article was generated by the Bay Area Home Report Bot, software that analyzes home sales or other data and creates an article based on a template created by humans.—
Bay Area Home Report,
Mercury News,
30 May 2026
Verb
-
The disparity has forced Goldman into the awkward position of defending a seat he’s held for two terms by running, at least in part, as the outsider.—
Russell Berman,
The Atlantic,
7 June 2026
-
Firefighters battled a nearly 1,200-acre brush fire burning in a remote area near the Los Angeles-Kern County line that temporarily forced evacuation orders and warnings for people living nearby.—
Dean Fioresi,
CBS News,
7 June 2026
Verb
-
In White Mana’s case, the diner’s rise from fair exhibit to real restaurant has brought nationwide attention over the years, but most reviewers agree that its burger cooked over a bed of onions lives up to the hype.—
Arati Menon,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 June 2026
-
This is a Stanley Cup Final between two franchises that bring it at the concession stands.—
Matt Reigle OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
7 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inflict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inflict. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
