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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 scourge
Mark Kortepeter, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Violent crime, meanwhile, is a scourge afflicting every community.
—Sizwe Mpofu Walsh, Time, 23 May 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
Cholera is a scourge of antiquity believed to have impacted human populations dating back thousands of years, killing millions and impacting human history.
—Mark Kortepeter, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Violent crime, meanwhile, is a scourge afflicting every community.
—Sizwe Mpofu Walsh, Time, 23 May 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
-
The method used is known as ‘whip and tongue,’ which is renowned to provide secure interlockings.—
Tom Mullen,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
-
While, for humans, the purpose of the spine is to serve as the support structure for the body, Alphas, ever so resourceful, utilize them as weapons that could be wielded as whips.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
20 June 2025
Noun
-
For instance, unlike their two principal nemeses, Inter have never been caught up in a scandal punished by relegation.—
James Horncastle,
New York Times,
8 June 2025
-
The issue is that Baltimore cannot get past the Buffalo Bills or Kansas City Chiefs, who are their current nemesis in the postseason.—
James Brizuela,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 June 2025
Noun
-
Because perhaps heartbreak is not only a curse, but also a language.—
Anna Marie de la Fuente,
Variety,
20 June 2025
-
His thought that autism is a curse that destroys families IS the tragedy.—
Laura Tillman,
Hartford Courant,
16 June 2025
Verb
-
But chemotherapy has also ravaged Tennant’s body and his quality of life.—
Lauren Sausser,
Miami Herald,
16 June 2025
-
According to CoStar, the blazes wiped out almost $31 billion in property values, ravaging about 11,000 properties between homes and businesses.—
Giulia Carbonaro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 June 2025
Verb
-
Transparency is another issue: Pricing for procedures varies wildly and is often hidden until the bill arrives.—
Paulina Wierzbicka,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
-
The palette is a unique blend of pink, tan, and hints of blue-green that add a subtle amount of color while still hiding dirt and debris.—
Shea Simmons,
Southern Living,
26 June 2025
Noun
-
This pair is the best of both worlds, with polished fabric straps, a cushioned memory foam footbed, and an arch-supportive design that keeps your feet ache-free while complementing just about any outfit in your wardrobe.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
17 June 2025
-
More than a decade ago, in 2014, Polar released the Loop, among the first step-counting wearable bands that could also link to a heart rate strap.—
Andrew Williams,
Forbes.com,
17 June 2025
Noun
-
Bernthal made his Marvel debut as the trigger-happy vigilante in Netflix's Daredevil series before going on to front his own spinoff, The Punisher, which ran for two seasons.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
21 June 2025
-
Jon Bernthal has appeared in several Marvel television series as the stone-cold vigilante known as the Punisher, even headlining his own series.—
Borys Kit,
HollywoodReporter,
20 June 2025
Noun
-
Compliance Check For Key Industries Ah, compliance—the bane of every CISO's existence.—
Itzik Alvas,
Forbes,
2 Dec. 2024
-
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
Cite this Entry
“Scourge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scourge. Accessed 29 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share