torment 1 of 2

torment

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word torment different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of torment are afflict, rack, torture, and try. While all these words mean "to inflict on a person something that is hard to bear," torment suggests persecution or the repeated inflicting of suffering or annoyance.

a horse tormented by flies

Where would afflict be a reasonable alternative to torment?

While the synonyms afflict and torment are close in meaning, afflict is a general term and applies to the causing of pain or suffering or of acute annoyance, embarrassment, or any distress.

ills that afflict the elderly

When could rack be used to replace torment?

The words rack and torment are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rack stresses straining or wrenching.

a body racked by pain

When is torture a more appropriate choice than torment?

In some situations, the words torture and torment are roughly equivalent. However, torture adds the implication of causing unbearable pain or suffering.

tortured by a sense of guilt

When might try be a better fit than torment?

While in some cases nearly identical to torment, try suggests imposing something that strains the powers of endurance or of self-control.

children often try their parents' patience

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 torment
Noun
To soothe the torment Bill is receiving from other guests, Hank puts on a dress as well, takes on the role of Bill’s ex, and forces him to move on. Daniel Dockery, Vulture, 7 July 2025 Despite decades away from the musical mainstream in the 1970s and '80s, when his psychological torments were most aggressive, Wilson's towering impact was never in question. Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 13 June 2025
Verb
But Orlando has made tremendous progress in healing rifts that still torment other large cities across the state. Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 July 2025 At night, he’s tormented by terrors that feel eerily vivid. Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 24 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for torment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for torment
Noun
  • For many, the relationship with tequila ended in their early 20s with promises made to some dormitory deity — often made of porcelain — to end a miserable night’s agony.
    Todd Harmonson, Oc Register, 4 Aug. 2025
  • My wing-scarfing strategy was to plow through as many as possible before the agony set in, then survive the remainder without committing the day-ruining error of touching my eyes.
    Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 2 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Notably, unemployment among Black men spiked significantly from 5.2% in May to 6.9% in July, illustrating a spreading distress that often starts with the most vulnerable groups and then extends wider in the labor market.
    Aisha Nyandoro, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • The legislation also follows several studies that highlighted concerning examples of AI therapy tools overlooking, or even encouraging, signs of mental distress.
    Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 6 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Well, look no further than demon of crowdwork Matt Rife, who has become the legal guardian of Ed and Lorraine Warren’s home.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 4 Aug. 2025
  • The powerful entity attacked Naruto’s home, the Hidden Tree Village, before his birth, and the boy’s father used his newborn son as a vessel to trap the demon.
    Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 4 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • No mysteries plagued Preller this summer as far as which Padres positions needed upgrades ahead of the July 31 trade deadline.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Aug. 2025
  • Diversity in jury pools have been longstanding issues plaguing the criminal justice system.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Relocated to a coastal town under the care of her brother’s best friend, Axel Nguyen, Leah grapples with grief, haunting nightmares and a fractured sense of self.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2025
  • However, for those with a decade or more left in the workforce, understanding the challenges faced by today’s retirees and how to best prepare for them can mean the difference between living the dream and living the nightmare.
    Deb Boyden, Fortune, 6 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Create an escalation path and stick to it: PCP first for routine or chronic issues; urgent care for same-day but moderate problems; telehealth for quick guidance on straightforward stuff (rashes, mild colds); ER only for the big, scary, time-sensitive events like chest pain or stroke symptoms.
    John Samuels, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
  • Recognizing the distinction between mechanical tightness and protective tension is crucial for anyone experiencing chronic stiffness, recurring pain or short-term mobility gains that just won’t stick.
    Dana Santas, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Far to the north, in the Montes de Maria region where Nawar Jimenez grew up, the terror instilled by armed groups is also deep-rooted.
    Ladan Anoushfar, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2025
  • Virginia Woolf’s wild run of creativity in her 40s included writing her masterpiece on the terrors and triumphs of middle age.
    Hillary Kelly, The Atlantic, 5 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • In late-night filings Thursday, the Manhattan U.S. attorney’s office pushed back on recent framing by Combs’ lawyers portraying him as persecuted.
    Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Open Doors is a global Christian charity which supports and speaks up for Christians persecuted for their faith.
    Paul Tilsley, FOXNews.com, 31 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Torment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/torment. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on torment

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!