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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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
Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2026
Now my hometown in Minnesota is experiencing the scourge of occupation in a way nobody should ever have to.
—Literary Hub, 20 Feb. 2026
Dorothy Wickenden, The New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2023
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
See All Example Sentences for scourge
Noun
For instance, multilayer plastic bags — those that hold snack chips, candy and coffee beans — are the scourge of municipal garbage haulers because they cannot be recycled, and if put in the blue bins, can damage mechanical sorting machines.
—Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2026
Now my hometown in Minnesota is experiencing the scourge of occupation in a way nobody should ever have to.
—Literary Hub, 20 Feb. 2026
Verb
The tragedy inspired a poem by twelve-year-old Benjamin Franklin and a funeral oration by the scourging Puritan clergyman Cotton Mather.
—Dorothy Wickenden, The New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2023
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
See All Example Sentences for scourge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scourge
Noun
-
John Cornyn, first elected in 2002, is a longtime incumbent and former Texas attorney general who also served as Senate Republican whip.—
Dante Motley,
Austin American Statesman,
3 Mar. 2026
-
Riders who might like more oomph aboard Galacticoaster should finagle seats on the back row, which experiences a touch more whip action.—
Dewayne Bevil,
The Orlando Sentinel,
24 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
All of the characters are entertaining, but the dynamic between Sherlock and Moriarty, his future nemesis, is the most engaging.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
2 Mar. 2026
-
Caine issued a warning to any nemesis of the United States contemplating any actions to threaten American interests around the world.—
Bill Hutchinson,
ABC News,
2 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
For Ukraine, the war has been a curse – a curse to survive and adapt long enough to spare Europe’s borders from Russia’s forces and absolve its allies from springing into greater action.—
Nick Paton Walsh,
CNN Money,
24 Feb. 2026
-
Indeed, various curses and slurs could be heard shouted from the audience at London's Royal Festival Hall, even during some segments broadcast to audiences in England and abroad.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
22 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
When the Assad regime in nearby Syria collapsed in late 2024, its security forces had been hollowed out – and its economy ravaged – by years of civil conflict.—
Nick Paton Walsh,
CNN Money,
1 Mar. 2026
-
Since the Witch Creek, Guejito and Rice fires in 2007 ravaged large swaths of San Diego County, SDG&E has spent roughly $6 billion in ratepayer funds to reduce the risk of widespread fires.—
Rob Nikolewski,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Over the past year, assaults against ICE personnel have risen 8,000%, according to the DHS, and federal police have opted to hide their faces and identities while working in public.—
Anna Giaritelli,
The Washington Examiner,
8 Mar. 2026
-
An East Price Hill man is accused of hiding in wait before fatally shooting a woman at an Avondale apartment building, according to Cincinnati police.—
Quinlan Bentley,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
These long straps hang off your child's car seat, acting as an additional anchor point for front-facing car seats and preventing them from tipping forward.—
Andee Tagle,
NPR,
28 Feb. 2026
-
The luxurious touch of velvet elevates any look, while the thick straps and flat sole give it a practical element.—
Ana Serrano,
Glamour,
28 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The first superhero movie with a Latino protagonist, Blue Beetle stars Xolo Maridueña as Jaime, a recent college grad who accidentally ends up bonding with an ancient alien relic that turns him into a high-flying vigilante.—
Danny Horn,
Entertainment Weekly,
22 Feb. 2026
-
That’s my masked vigilante thing!—
Tracy Wright,
FOXNews.com,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Perennials are just starting to send out new buds and shoots, lawns are starting to green, and the weeds—the bane of every gardener's existence—are really coming to life.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
3 Mar. 2026
-
Time, skill and effort are the bane of the busy active person or family wanting healthier meal options beyond the TV dinner or meal delivery service.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
26 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Scourge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scourge. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.
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