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
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Recent Examples of scourge
Jonathan Lippman, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2026
Pornographic deepfake images of her have circulated online, making the singer the most famous victim of a scourge that tech platforms and antiabuse groups have struggled to fix.
—Maria Sherman, Fortune, 28 Apr. 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
Fortunately, the planning to end the scourge of Rikers has already been done.
—Jonathan Lippman, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2026
Pornographic deepfake images of her have circulated online, making the singer the most famous victim of a scourge that tech platforms and antiabuse groups have struggled to fix.
—Maria Sherman, Fortune, 28 Apr. 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
-
Las Vegas scored three unanswered goals to lead 3-2, and after the teams lodged a 4-4 tie, the Golden Knights’ Tomas Hertl took a whip-around pass from Colton Sissons and ripped the game-winning goal above Carolina goaltender Frederik Andersen to give the Golden Knights a stunning 1-0 series lead.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
3 June 2026
-
Before 2014, bull kelp—a whip-like kelp with bulbous air bladders and trailing blades —stretched across Northern California’s coastline in dense tangles.—
Tatjana Baleta,
Time,
28 May 2026
Noun
-
An old nemesis showed up in the late moments of Angel City Football Club’s trip to Houston last weekend.—
Damian Calhoun,
Daily News,
30 May 2026
-
The Sherlock Holmes franchise continues its expansion with a modern reinvention series focusing on his arch nemesis James Moriarty.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
28 May 2026
Noun
-
As Rachel learns about the family curse that threatens her and her betrothed, Morrone digs in with emotional complexity and real grit.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
29 May 2026
-
As Frankelda and Herneval grow closer, their bond becomes both a strength and a curse.—
Wilson Chapman,
IndieWire,
28 May 2026
Verb
-
If Detroit, the city most ravaged by deindustrialization, can remake its defining industry and rebuild its downtown around a single, audacious bet on the future, so can America.—
Time,
Time,
2 June 2026
-
Regions like Tigray, Amhara, and Oromia remain ravaged by active warfare, massacres, and mass displacement.—
Nimi Princewill,
CNN Money,
31 May 2026
Verb
-
If not too bad, it can be ignored and new growth should hide the blemishes.—
Tom MacCubbin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
30 May 2026
-
Buddy was hiding in the bushes on the side of a desolate highway when he was found by a good Samaritan and brought to a rescue.—
Maryanne Dell,
Oc Register,
30 May 2026
Noun
-
Durable enough to handle the elements, this waterproof light features a comfortable elastic strap and a bright, adjustable beam that improves visibility while keeping both hands free for unloading luggage, handling car repairs, or setting up camp in the dark.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
31 May 2026
-
That striking purple centerpiece is complemented by a 42 mm steel case and a black fabric strap, with an automatic movement (Calibre 39-34) beating inside.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
31 May 2026
Noun
-
He is occasionally asked to comment on acts of public violence, compelled to defend the many vigilantes who have appeared in his wake.—
Kevin Lozano,
Harpers Magazine,
2 June 2026
-
Except… there’s no indication Martin is repenting for his murderous vigilante rampage.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
1 June 2026
Noun
-
This fungal disease is the bane of rose gardeners everywhere, particularly in humid climates.—
Leanne Potts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
29 May 2026
-
Karen Fukuhara, who plays the regenerating supe Kimiko, said her final scene was with Erin Moriarty and Karl Urban (who plays Billy Butcher, leader and sometimes bane of The Boys).—
ABC News,
ABC News,
20 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Scourge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scourge. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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