as in imposing
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 inflicting
At the same time, Ukraine has significantly expanded its long-range strikes on Russian energy facilities and arms factories, inflicting increasing damage.
—
Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026
Aaron Deunte Ratliff, 37, was arrested May 23 and charge with 10 felonies, including five counts of first degree kidnapping and three counts of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injuries, the Anson County Sheriff’s Office said in a May 25 news release.
—Mark Price
may 28, Charlotte Observer, 28 May 2026
The Paris success two years ago included Zheng inflicting Iga Świątek’s first defeat at Roland Garros in 26 matches.
—Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 25 May 2026
For massages, ask for Sylvia, whose extraordinary hands somehow work deep into the muscles, relaxing them without inflicting torture en route.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 May 2026
El Niños arrive every few years, inflicting drought, flooding and other climate destruction across the globe.
—Joel Mathis, TheWeek, 12 May 2026
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
Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026
Aaron Deunte Ratliff, 37, was arrested May 23 and charge with 10 felonies, including five counts of first degree kidnapping and three counts of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injuries, the Anson County Sheriff’s Office said in a May 25 news release.
—Mark Price
may 28, Charlotte Observer, 28 May 2026
The Paris success two years ago included Zheng inflicting Iga Świątek’s first defeat at Roland Garros in 26 matches.
—Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 25 May 2026
For massages, ask for Sylvia, whose extraordinary hands somehow work deep into the muscles, relaxing them without inflicting torture en route.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 May 2026
El Niños arrive every few years, inflicting drought, flooding and other climate destruction across the globe.
—Joel Mathis, TheWeek, 12 May 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inflicting
Verb
-
The neighborhood/area The boho-chic Oltrarno neighborhood is an eclectic mix of imposing palazzi, elegant antique shops, quirky boutiques and a plethora of cafés, bars, and restaurants.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
-
Government interference in the market — using taxpayer money to build affordable housing, subsidizing mortgages, imposing zoning restrictions — creates another set of disincentives.—
Allison Schrager,
Boston Herald,
31 May 2026
Verb
-
This luxury hotel is famously set in a former Ottoman prison, creating a paradoxically private and peaceful enclave in the middle of bustling Sultanahmet.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
-
Earlier this year, Democratic leaders worried that their voters would splinter among their candidates, creating a scenario where two Republicans advanced to the general election.—
Seema Mehta,
Los Angeles Times,
1 June 2026
Verb
-
Brith had swallowed, forcing down something hard in her throat.—
Maggie O’Farrell,
Literary Hub,
2 June 2026
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Given that, the court concluded that forcing UCAR to give up its supercomputing center was arbitrary and capricious, and thus violated the Administrative Procedures Act.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
2 June 2026
Verb
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In February, the university reached eight additional settlements, bringing the total to 304 survivors and more than $60 million.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
4 June 2026
-
Alejandro Balde His development has stalled this season and Joao Cancelo — who arrived on loan from Al Hilal during the winter transfer window, with Barca hopeful of bringing him back for next term — took his place.—
Laia Cervelló Herrero,
New York Times,
3 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inflicting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inflicting. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.
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