torture 1 of 2

torture

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of torture are afflict, rack, torment, and try. While all these words mean "to inflict on a person something that is hard to bear," torture adds the implication of causing unbearable pain or suffering.

tortured by a sense of guilt

When is it sensible to use afflict instead of torture?

While the synonyms afflict and torture 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 would rack be a good substitute for torture?

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

a body racked by pain

In what contexts can torment take the place of torture?

The synonyms torment and torture are sometimes interchangeable, but torment suggests persecution or the repeated inflicting of suffering or annoyance.

a horse tormented by flies

Where would try be a reasonable alternative to torture?

The meanings of try and torture largely overlap; however, 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 torture
Noun
Rightfully defined as torture under international law, the use of solitary confinement must be halted. Terry Kupers, Oc Register, 11 Oct. 2025 The words through torture and civil war in June 2002, the decisive stand against the same Ratsiraka who had returned to power from 1996 to 2002 and was vying for yet another term, who would rather cheat in the elections and cause a civil war instead of withdrawing in defeat from the polls. Literary Hub, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
Murphy also revealed there would be a focus on the Hungarian noblewoman Elizabeth Báthory, who, along with her servants, was accused of torturing and killing hundreds of young women in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2025 For four years the DINA detained, interrogated and tortured tens of thousands of Pinochet’s opponents. Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for torture
Recent Examples of Synonyms for torture
Noun
  • The cult classic was based on a nightmare director Don Coscarelli had, and it's best viewed that way.
    Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Oct. 2025
  • The Hurricanes’ defensive front, buoyed by edge rushers like Rueben Bain and Akheem Mesidor, is a nightmare matchup for any passing offense.
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Aches and pains don’t compare to the agony of an unrealized dream.
    Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 13 Oct. 2025
  • But this specific take on the agony and the, well, extra helping of agony that parenthood often feels like is all hers.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The extravaganza was the first in years to enjoy the viewership on both TV and streaming that people come to expect of the event after a fallow period during which NBC was plagued by Asia time-slot challenges and the coronavirus pandemic, among other factors.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 20 Oct. 2025
  • When an unexpected event takes him back to his hometown, he is reunited with his mother and old friends but also confronted by the corruption that plagues his country, sparking a political awakening.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • As business leaders and economists begin to take concerns of an AI bubble more seriously, the proliferation of loose internet bots has become more alarming because of their potential to distort data key to assessing the sustainability and growth of emerging tech companies.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2025
  • The macula, part of the retina needed for sharp vision, may become distorted, causing blurry sight.
    Liz Szabo, Scientific American, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • While most of us on the plane were in this same unexpected predicament, a passenger nearby didn't seem to be sharing in our misery thanks to a compact gadget propped up their phone to the perfect viewing height.
    Anita Katee, Travel + Leisure, 18 Oct. 2025
  • His matchup against Minnesota could add to the misery.
    Brad Evans, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Because of that, diabetes distress has been linked to other serious mental health issues.
    Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Family members of the victims filed defamation and emotional distress lawsuits in Connecticut and Texas, where Jones’ Infowars talk show is based.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • These regimes persecute minorities, jail anyone who speaks freely, and rule through fear and censorship.
    Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Blasphemy accusations have been used repeatedly to persecute Christians and other religious minorities in the country.
    Sean Nelson, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Broncos got screwed on an interference call that placed the ball on the 1-yard line.
    Troy Renck, Denver Post, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Gabriel has royally screwed the pooch.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 17 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Torture.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/torture. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on torture

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!