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
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
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Recent Examples of scourge
Helen Regan, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2025
In August, Walmart saw solid gains on both its top and bottom lines, demonstrating the giant retailer’s ability to manage through the scourge of tariffs and navigate the uncertain economy.
—Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2025
Sébastien Roblin, Popular Mechanics, 9 Mar. 2023
While the kinds of extreme heat events like the wildfires that scourge many parts of the world in hot weather are still very rare in the UK, this report underlines how much temperature changes affect our daily lives—and are likely to do so more in the future.
—Cassie Werber, Quartz, 23 Jan. 2023
See All Example Sentences for scourge
Noun
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations meets for a summit later this week in Malaysia, and the scourge of scam centers is likely to be a top issue on the agenda.
—Helen Regan, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2025
In August, Walmart saw solid gains on both its top and bottom lines, demonstrating the giant retailer’s ability to manage through the scourge of tariffs and navigate the uncertain economy.
—Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 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
While the kinds of extreme heat events like the wildfires that scourge many parts of the world in hot weather are still very rare in the UK, this report underlines how much temperature changes affect our daily lives—and are likely to do so more in the future.
—Cassie Werber, Quartz, 23 Jan. 2023
See All Example Sentences for scourge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scourge
Noun
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Reservations cost $95 for a two-hour visit, which includes a shot, two drinks, Dole whip and immersive character interactions.—
Graham Womack,
Sacbee.com,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Garcia has represented Illinois’s 4th Congressional District since 2019 and serves as deputy whip of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.—
Jared Gans,
The Hill,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Still, Vegas had been a nemesis that had beaten Denver eight games in a row before the Broncos flipped that and swept in 2024.—
Greg Cote
November 5,
Miami Herald,
5 Nov. 2025
-
In the same vein, denim tends to be the nemesis of carry-on-only travelers.—
Lydia Mansel,
Travel + Leisure,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
With the launch of the Culling Game in the aftermath, 10 colonies from across Japan are transformed into dens of curses as part of a plot orchestrated by the most wicked sorcerer in history, Noritoshi Kamo.—
Nick Romano,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Her goal helped the club secure its first berth in the NWSL playoffs, snapping a ninth-place curse that had haunted the team since its debut in 2021.—
Tamerra Griffin,
New York Times,
3 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
For the second year in a row, San Francisco has been ravaged by injuries to key players, especially on the defensive side of the football.—
Robert Marvi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
-
The avalanche ravaged the base camp, which is located at an altitude of 4,900 meters, or 16,070 feet.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
PEOPLE,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
But most of the time, hiding stuff from them doesn't work.—
KiMi Robinson,
USA Today,
11 Nov. 2025
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Oscar’s grouchy shell hides a strangely tender soul, which is classic Scorpio.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
10 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Five straps of differing widths hold the foot in place as the shoe’s upper balance on top of a six-inch heel.—
Karla Rodriguez,
Footwear News,
5 Nov. 2025
-
For suitcases, this may include dual main compartments with zippered mesh closures and compression straps, a pocketed divider, removable laundry or shoe bags, and interior zippered pockets of various sizes to keep your smallest essentials in order.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
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New Yorkers are swarming the polls in record numbers to choose between a historic first, a seismic comeback or a vigilante spoiler for mayor.—
Eduardo Cuevas,
USA Today,
4 Nov. 2025
-
Sliwa, who is best known as the founder of the subway-vigilante group the Guardian Angels, previously ran for mayor, in 2021, and lost to Eric Adams by nearly forty points.—
Naaman Zhou,
New Yorker,
3 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
But along with ready cash, the laissez-faire approach brought the banes of corruption, criminal infiltration, and rampant pollution.—
Charlie Campbell,
Time,
15 Oct. 2025
-
Those four words that my husband asks almost every day are the bane of my existence.—
Sari Hitchins,
Parents,
13 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Scourge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scourge. Accessed 20 Nov. 2025.
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