torment 1 of 2

Definition of tormentnext

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
More papules emerge as blisters burst, prolonging the torment. Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 24 Apr. 2026 So too did Trump spiritual advisor Paula White-Cain, who compared the president’s torments to those of Jesus. Pat Beall, Sun Sentinel, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
Hokum gives you a taste of one tormented scribe’s fiction before introducing you to the man behind the keyboard. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 30 Apr. 2026 However, no ransom was ever paid, and no proof of life was ever produced, which has left Clemente to theorize that perhaps Nancy was kidnapped to torment her family. Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 30 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for torment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for torment
Noun
  • Kirby, screaming in agony, was on his knees as officers ordered him to drop a knife, according to video.
    David K. Li, NBC news, 15 May 2026
  • The sight of a heart-and-soul player in agony on the ice, then being helped off it — by captain Marie-Philip Poulin, Stacey’s wife — was a shock.
    Hailey Salvian, New York Times, 15 May 2026
Noun
  • Interfering with a fawn is discouraged; observe from a distance and contact wildlife professionals only if the fawn shows signs of injury, distress, or the mother's prolonged absence.
    Cody Godwin, USA Today, 13 May 2026
  • There is tap-dancing, a wall that resembles the night sky, a prop headband that resembles a Plumbob, and the discovery that every actor onstage can imitate the animation a Sim does while in distress.
    Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 13 May 2026
Noun
  • That’s an intriguing philosophical swerve for the series that, however late arriving, paves the way for an unexpectedly moving epilogue after God honors Aziraphale and Crowley’s request to remake the universe as a place without gods or demons.
    Keith Phipps, Vulture, 13 May 2026
  • Prime Video's fantasy series about angels, demons and good and evil is returning May 13 for what was meant to be a third and final season.
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 13 May 2026
Verb
  • Anti-gang units, officials say, form the backbone of the department’s crime fighting efforts in neighborhoods plagued by gang violence.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2026
  • Orlando trailed Miami 3-0 early, plagued by the same defensive lapses that have defined its season so far.
    Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 May 2026
Noun
  • The Los Angeles Dodgers could face a massive PR nightmare from LA vegans as star pitcher Edwin Diaz finds himself at the center of a federal animal cruelty scandal.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026
  • Brutal start for Ducks The first period was an absolute nightmare for the Ducks.
    Eric Stephens, New York Times, 15 May 2026
Noun
  • Symptoms can include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pain and internal bleeding.
    Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 16 May 2026
  • Guilfoyle said helpful approaches include increasing enrichment and sniff-based activities on walks, providing more structured chewing opportunities, treating underlying nausea, reflux, pain or anxiety if present, and redirecting with food or toys before the dog starts grazing heavily.
    Diana Bocco, USA Today, 15 May 2026
Noun
  • Maika Monroe may have starred in multiple defining horror films of the last 10-plus years, from her breakout in It Follows to the recent box-office smash Longlegs, but no amount of scream-queen credits could prepare her for the gory terror of Victorian Psycho.
    David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026
  • Trump later slapped the state-sponsor of terror designation back on at the start of his second term.
    Rick Jervis, USA Today, 13 May 2026
Verb
  • Other human rights lawyers have been recently prosecuted in Russia, including Maria Bontsler, a prominent lawyer who defended individuals persecuted by politically motivated charges.
    Irwin Cotler, Time, 8 May 2026
  • Individuals with Jewish heritage through their father or a grandparent sometimes identified as Jewish or were persecuted for their Jewish heritage, as was the case under the Nazi regime.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Torment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/torment. Accessed 17 May. 2026.

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