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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Flight restrictions imposed after flare-ups between Iran and Israel last year were short-lived, Sobie said.—
Brad Lendon,
CNN Money,
21 June 2025
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One pitches with an imposing high leg kick, the other with a deceptive swivel.—
Cody Stavenhagen,
New York Times,
20 June 2025
Verb
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Rather than going for conventional boardroom-style ties, Falk is looking at creating ties from materials like lace, pearls, and leather.—
Kristopher Fraser,
Robb Report,
20 June 2025
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Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Do not follow large vehicles closely - Large vehicles like trucks or buses can create a spray of water that can reduce your visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
20 June 2025
Verb
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The murder thrusts Zhan-Zhou into the spotlight and the court of public opinion, forcing her towards a fate intertwined with that of her own country.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
23 June 2025
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Damaging Iran’s nuclear facilities, decapitating its leadership structure, and repeatedly disrupting its enrichment efforts forces Tehran into a permanent state of caution.—
David A. Deptula,
Forbes.com,
23 June 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 4 Jul. 2025.
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