Synonyms of torments

torments 1 of 2

noun

plural of torment

1

as in nightmares

a situation or state that causes great suffering and unhappiness

the released soldiers gave interviews trying to explain to civilians the torment that prisoners of war experience

Synonyms & Similar Words

• nightmares
• agonies
• tortures
• horrors
• miseries
• murders
• curses
• hells
• ordeals
• tragedies
• misfortunes
• tribulations
• Gehennas
• calamities
• trials
• crosses
• afflictions
• thorns
• galls
• calvaries
• drags
• downers
• bummers

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• heavens
• pleasures
• joys
• delights
• fun
• entertainments
• diversions
• recreations
• riots
• paradises
• picnics
• larks

2

as in distresses

a state of great suffering of body or mind

was in torment for weeks after he broke up with his girlfriend

Synonyms & Similar Words

• distresses
• pains
• agonies
• miseries
• anguishes
• tortures
• tribulations
• woes
• pangs
• straits
• hurts
• sorrows
• discomforts
• afflictions
• travails
• racks
• hardships
• dangers
• excruciations
• heartbreaks
• heartaches
• troubles
• difficulties
• aches
• emergencies
• crucibles
• crosses
• rigors
• trials
• throes
• asperities
• stitches
• twinges
• pinches
• jeopardies

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• consolations
• solaces
• comforts
• eases
• alleviations
• reliefs
• securities
• assuagements
• peaces
• well-beings

3

as in demons

a source of persistent emotional distress

insomnia that was caused by a host of nighttime torments

Synonyms & Similar Words

• demons
• terrors
• afflictions
• hang-ups
• bugaboos
• hobgoblins
• ogres
• bugbears
• bogeys
• bêtes noires

torments

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of torment

as in plagues

to cause persistent suffering to

he was tormented by nightmares about the accident

Synonyms & Similar Words

• plagues
• persecutes
• tortures
• afflicts
• besieges
• anguishes
• curses
• attacks
• besets
• bothers
• troubles
• agonizes
• bedevils
• harrows
• racks
• stings
• excruciates
• distresses
• strikes
• pursues
• disturbs
• assails
• annoys
• aggravates
• harasses
• overwhelms
• irritates
• oppresses
• worries
• pains
• exasperates
• grieves
• stresses
• disquiets
• dogs
• molests
• hurts
• vexes
• rides
• discomforts
• pesters
• harries
• hounds
• irks
• agitates
• tries
• upsets
• tyrannizes
• gripes
• bugs
• chafes
• riles
• badgers
• smites
• stabs
• flusters
• perturbs
• grates
• nettles
• victimizes
• peeves
• piques
• pangs
• pricks
• rasps
• galls
• discomposes
• overpowers
• crushes
• strains
• martyrs
• puts out
• wrings
• gets
• smarts
• hagrides

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• aids
• helps
• assists
• abets
• relieves
• contents
• delivers
• releases
• comforts
• soothes
• quiets
• consoles
• solaces
• reprieves
• succors

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of torments

Noun

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

In the face of such grave concerns, Alyoshka’s torments seem self-indulgent and frustrating, but his problem—whether to leave or stay—is far from insignificant. — Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026

For example, Madrazo’s depiction of the daughters of El Cid echoes Yáñez’s treatment of Sebastian’s torments, and Guerrero has deeply studied Spanish baroque painting. — Benjamin Lima special Contributor, Dallas Morning News, 18 Mar. 2026

In that final part of the cycle—the writing part—were torments, perhaps even tortures, but good things happened. — Jake Lundberg, The Atlantic, 19 Feb. 2026

Denver author Josiah Hesse was raised by Evangelical parents in churches that believe in the torments of hell, that their poverty is due to their sinfulness and lack of faith. — Sandra Dallas, Denver Post, 1 Feb. 2026

The author delves into the torments PTSD causes Vietnam veterans as well as family dynamics. — Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 21 Dec. 2025

Hell is nevertheless filled with bloody and horrific torments. — Claudia Roth Pierpont, New Yorker, 24 Nov. 2025

But true to its Old Testament inspiration and underlying theology, there’s no knowing why God has sent these torments to Jacob and his town. — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019

Verb

Vava, Brazil vs Sweden, 1958 (second goal) Garrincha torments Sweden left-back Sven Axbom — not for the first time — and Vava is on hand to complete a carbon copy of his first goal. — Adam Hurrey, New York Times, 17 July 2026

Caleb and Kayda spend a few minutes chatting in the Say Less nook, and Zach torments himself with mental images of them making out just outside of view. — Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 22 June 2026

Alexa Bliss, Charlotte Flair and Rhea Ripley after Jade Cargill torments Ripley. — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 9 May 2026

Benedict Cumberbatch stars as Phil, a spiteful rancher who torments his brother's (Jesse Plemons) new wife (Kirsten Dunst) and her sensitive teenage son, Peter (Kodi Smit-McPhee), against the backdrop of 1920s Montana. — Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Apr. 2026

Madigan's Aunt Gladys emerges as the movie's primary villain and torments characters portrayed by Josh Brolin, Julia Garner, Alden Ehrenreich, Austin Abrams, Benedict Wong and child star Cary Christopher throughout the film. — Tommy McArdle, PEOPLE, 2 Apr. 2026

Jigsaw torments blind guys, too. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 7 Nov. 2025

Hurricane Melissa torments Jamaica 'There have been loud bangs on the ceiling, and our doors are shaking. — Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 29 Oct. 2025