Synonyms of plague

plague 1 of 2

verb

as in to afflict

to cause persistent suffering to

plagued by a cough for all of last week

Synonyms & Similar Words

• afflict
• persecute
• torture
• besiege
• curse
• attack
• beset
• torment
• trouble
• bother
• bedevil
• anguish
• overwhelm
• strike
• sting
• agonize
• harrow
• disturb
• rack
• annoy
• hurt
• worry
• aggravate
• pursue
• excruciate
• distress
• bug
• oppress
• harass
• irritate
• assail
• vex
• discomfort
• hound
• stress
• upset
• dog
• pain
• ride
• exasperate
• badger
• irk
• strain
• smite
• stab
• disquiet
• pester
• try
• grieve
• put out
• agitate
• gripe
• victimize
• molest
• chafe
• perturb
• harry
• crush
• grate
• pique
• discompose
• overpower
• fluster
• rile
• gall
• nettle
• peeve
• tyrannize
• get
• prick
• rasp
• smart
• martyr
• hagride
• wring
• pang

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• help
• aid
• assist
• relieve
• release
• deliver
• abet
• comfort
• soothe
• console
• content
• quiet
• reprieve
• succor
• solace

plague

2 of 2

noun

ˈplāg 

as in epidemic

a widespread disease resulting in a high rate of death

the Black Death was a plague that killed about one third of Europe's population in the Middle Ages

Synonyms & Similar Words

• epidemic
• pestilence
• illness
• pest
• infection
• curse
• sickness
• pandemic
• contagion
• malady
• blight
• ailment
• murrain
• scourge
• infirmity
• affection
• affliction

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb plague contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of plague are annoy, harass, harry, pester, tease, and worry. While all these words mean "to disturb or irritate by persistent acts," plague implies a painful and persistent affliction.

plagued all her life by poverty

In what contexts can annoy take the place of plague?

While in some cases nearly identical to plague, annoy implies disturbing one's composure or peace of mind by intrusion, interference, or petty attacks.

you're doing that just to annoy me

When would harass be a good substitute for plague?

The words harass and plague can be used in similar contexts, but harass implies petty persecutions or burdensome demands that exhaust one's nervous or mental power.

harassed on all sides by creditors

When is it sensible to use harry instead of plague?

Although the words harry and plague have much in common, harry may imply heavy oppression or maltreatment.

the strikers had been harried by thugs

When might pester be a better fit than plague?

In some situations, the words pester and plague are roughly equivalent. However, pester stresses the repetition of petty attacks.

constantly pestered with trivial complaints

When can tease be used instead of plague?

The words tease and plague are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, tease suggests an attempt to break down one's resistance or rouse to wrath.

children teased the dog

When is worry a more appropriate choice than plague?

While the synonyms worry and plague are close in meaning, worry implies an incessant goading or attacking that drives one to desperation.

pursued a policy of worrying the enemy

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of plague

Verb

Parts of the exchange have gone viral among Angelenos, with many expressing confusion and surprise about the suggestion that Culver City is plagued by crime. —Julie Sharp, CBS News, 13 Feb. 2026

The board’s work has been plagued by a strained relationship with other city departments and council leadership as attempts to formalize board regulations have stalled and disagreements over document access and investigation results have emerged. —Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2026

Noun

As a small rural settlement is swiftly and ruthlessly stripped bare by the twin plagues of a diphtheria epidemic and spreading wildfires, the film eventually descends into a near-literal hellscape, though even when pandemonium takes over on screen, Van Dusen’s formal control never wavers. —Guy Lodge, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026

Published in 1842, Poe’s story follows Prince Prospero, who retreats with a group of nobles into a fortified abbey as a deadly plague ravages the countryside. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 11 Feb. 2026