1
as in whip
a long thin or flexible tool for striking
the museum display included a scourge, thumbscrews, and other notorious instruments of torture
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Relevance
2
as in nemesis
one who inflicts punishment in return for an injury or offense
the attorney general, who just happens to be a candidate for governor, is a self-proclaimed scourge of organized crime
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in curse
a source of harm or misfortune
the sheer ubiquity of food is proving to be the scourge of humanity, as evidenced by the obesity epidemic
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to ravage
to bring destruction to (something) through violent action
barbarians scourged the countryside, leaving village after village burned to the ground
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to whip
to strike repeatedly with something long and thin or flexible
scourge the tree with a whip to loosen the bark
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of scourge
Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Policymakers must work tirelessly to prevent kids from beginning drug use and help people with addiction to achieve recovery—this is the most cost-effective and humane way out of the scourge of addiction.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025
Sébastien Roblin, Popular Mechanics, 9 Mar. 2023
Of all the fearful diseases that scourge the human race, this ranks among those that are justly feared most.
—Mark Fischetti, Scientific American, 2 Nov. 2021
See All Example Sentences for scourge
Noun
The scourge of unpaid toll messages plaguing America has its origins in China, with Chinese phishing kits and criminals driving the scam state to state.
—Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Policymakers must work tirelessly to prevent kids from beginning drug use and help people with addiction to achieve recovery—this is the most cost-effective and humane way out of the scourge of addiction.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
Like its American rival, the Tiger was initially intended to scourge Soviet tank battalions, but was refashioned for multi-role capabilities.
—Sébastien Roblin, Popular Mechanics, 9 Mar. 2023
Of all the fearful diseases that scourge the human race, this ranks among those that are justly feared most.
—Mark Fischetti, Scientific American, 2 Nov. 2021
See All Example Sentences for scourge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scourge
Noun
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The captain, eager to crack a whip, joins the guests dressed as ringmaster, matching primary Rebecca.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
6 May 2025
-
However, Schatz has emerged as a favorite after volunteering to pick up some of the whip’s duties in helping to manage the floor.—
Ashleigh Fields,
The Hill,
25 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Kevin Kiley won one Thursday against his nemesis Gavin Newsom.—
David Lightman,
Sacbee.com,
22 May 2025
-
Among the decisions striking deep unease within Israel, Mr. Trump announced his administration was going to launch direct negotiations with Israel’s nemesis, Iran.—
Dina Kraft,
Christian Science Monitor,
14 May 2025
Noun
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Christopher Walken stars as a school teacher who comes out of a coma with a gift that feels more like a terrifying curse.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
23 May 2025
-
While Rory McIlroy finally broke his 11-year curse to claim the green jacket, Bradley struggled, missing the cut with a 3-over-par.—
Devlina Sarkar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 May 2025
Verb
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The council also scaled back the number of new hires the mayor proposed for the Los Angeles Fire Department in the wake of the wildfire that ravaged huge stretches of Pacific Palisades.—
David Zahniser,
Los Angeles Times,
23 May 2025
-
Numerous celebrities, including Mel Gibson, Paris Hilton and Milo Ventimiglia lost their homes in the ravaging blaze.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
22 May 2025
Verb
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At 19, Johnson married his wife Daphne and initially, was able to hide his drug use from her, the Johnson's clemency petition said.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
22 May 2025
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Enhanced measurement capabilities: Amazon continues investing in Amazon Marketing Cloud with new UI templates and simplified queries, suggesting a commitment to transparency rather than hiding attribution.—
Kiri Masters,
Forbes.com,
21 May 2025
Noun
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The strap between the toes still gives you that classic flip-flop look and feel, plus there’s plenty of support from a cork footbed that molds to your feet.—
Nicol Natale,
People.com,
23 May 2025
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The straps are made from a sturdy synthetic leather alternative that holds its shape more than other softer materials, but the interior of the straps and insoles are still lined with a light suede that’s gentle on the skin and comfy for full-day wear.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
23 May 2025
Noun
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The bond vigilantes of 2025 may be a rougher crowd than their predecessors in the 1990s.—
George Calhoun,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2025
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Could bond vigilantes again check the Trump agenda?—
Andrew Ross Sorkin,
New York Times,
15 May 2025
Noun
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Sargassum, the stinky, slimy bane of beachgoers worldwide, returned to swarm south Florida beaches last week, as masses of the seaweed were spotted lining the shores of Miami Beach, a famous destination and beach getaway for travelers.—
Doyle Rice,
USA Today,
1 May 2025
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Women's sports bras were the bane of my teen existence.—
Boutayna Chokrane,
Wired News,
19 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Scourge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scourge. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
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