as in imposing
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 inflicting
Kyle Grillot/Bloomberg via Getty Images The monthslong war in Iran is inflicting economic pain across the country as many Americans report struggling with higher costs, particularly the record rise in gas prices.
—
Will Lennon, ABC News, 8 May 2026
He was also sued for battery, emotional distress, and fraud in April and accused of inflicting physical, emotional, and psychological damage by 18-year-old influencer Alorah Ziva, which Peters denies.
—Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 6 May 2026
The gravity of possibly inflicting pain on an innocent person is an essential part of judgment.
—Sonali Chakravarti, The Conversation, 5 May 2026
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukrainian forces destroyed several military and other targets, while also inflicting significant damage on oil port infrastructure.
—Los Angeles Times, 3 May 2026
Sacramento police had arrested Adger on suspicion of battery, resisting or obstructing a peace officer, and inflicting undue suffering or pain on a dependent.
—Darrell Smith
may 1, Sacbee.com, 1 May 2026
His current preferred strategy, though, is inflicting maximum economic pain, sources familiar with the talks told CNN.
—Nic Robertson, CNN Money, 1 May 2026
In addition to battery, fraud and intentionally inflicting emotional distress, Mendoza is suing Clavicular for the unauthorized publication of her name and likeness.
—Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2026
But so far this season, Devers isn’t inflicting that damage in any count.
—Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2026
Will Lennon, ABC News, 8 May 2026
He was also sued for battery, emotional distress, and fraud in April and accused of inflicting physical, emotional, and psychological damage by 18-year-old influencer Alorah Ziva, which Peters denies.
—Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 6 May 2026
The gravity of possibly inflicting pain on an innocent person is an essential part of judgment.
—Sonali Chakravarti, The Conversation, 5 May 2026
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukrainian forces destroyed several military and other targets, while also inflicting significant damage on oil port infrastructure.
—Los Angeles Times, 3 May 2026
Sacramento police had arrested Adger on suspicion of battery, resisting or obstructing a peace officer, and inflicting undue suffering or pain on a dependent.
—Darrell Smith
may 1, Sacbee.com, 1 May 2026
His current preferred strategy, though, is inflicting maximum economic pain, sources familiar with the talks told CNN.
—Nic Robertson, CNN Money, 1 May 2026
In addition to battery, fraud and intentionally inflicting emotional distress, Mendoza is suing Clavicular for the unauthorized publication of her name and likeness.
—Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2026
But so far this season, Devers isn’t inflicting that damage in any count.
—Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inflicting
Verb
-
The momos at this Nepali hangout are imposing and as wrinkly as shar-peis.—
Ligaya Mishan,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
-
For the bulk of the armed forces, their main purpose has been preventing war by looking imposing rather than winning wars by fighting.—
Eliot A. Cohen,
The Atlantic,
11 May 2026
Verb
-
Likewise, in building communities, there must be a priority on preserving green spaces, creating walkable neighborhoods to reduce traffic and car emissions, intentionally designating areas for wildlife habitats, and prioritizing quality of life through parks, trails, and conservation areas.—
Sammy Duda,
The Orlando Sentinel,
12 May 2026
-
The letter, sent Friday, comes amid a high-stakes legal battle currently playing out in an Oakland federal courtroom between onetime partners Altman and Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, who in 2015 co-founded the AI company best known for creating ChatGPT.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
Verb
-
The windshield on a Southwest Airlines flight cracked May 11, forcing the plane to make an emergency landing in Oklahoma, federal aviation officials said.—
Natalie Neysa Alund,
USA Today,
12 May 2026
-
As the village erupts into full-scale panic, the emergency evolves into a darker mystery, forcing the cop to confront a seemingly impossible reality.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
12 May 2026
Verb
-
The Sun forms a cazimi with Mercury in Taurus in your 2nd House of Resources, bringing a sharp insight around income, spending, self-worth, or what your energy is actually worth.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
14 May 2026
-
Royals starter Seth Lugo walked designated hitter Andrew Benintendi, bringing Kelenic up with two on and two outs and the score tied at 3.—
LaMond Pope,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inflicting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inflicting. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
