torture 1 of 2

torture

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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
In addition to murder, the two were each found guilty of torture following a 10-week long trial, prosecutors said. Sacbee.com, 3 July 2025 Middlebrooks, 62, was convicted for the 1987 torture and murder of 14-year-old Kerrick Majors, whose body was found in a dry creek bed in East Nashville. Kelly Puente, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
Verb
Immigration lawyers told the Supreme Court that even criminals deserve meaningful notice and an opportunity to be heard before they're sent to a country with dangerous conditions where they could be tortured. Nina Totenberg, NPR, 23 June 2025 Nicolás Maduro and his enforcers are running a criminal narco-terrorist dictatorship that jails political opponents, tortures dissidents, and crushes any hope of free expression. Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for torture
Recent Examples of Synonyms for torture
Noun
  • What follows is a floor-by-floor descent into madness as Bobby battles bloodthirsty perverts, demonic flash mobs, and hallucinogenic suburban nightmares, all while trying to figure out if he’s meant to be the hero… or just the last guy standing.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 14 July 2025
  • However, experts are sounding the alarm on one type of photo that could turn a dream vacation into a travel nightmare.
    Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • Meanwhile, Joseph writhes in the agony of his own newfound girl craziness (and cleavage obsession).
    Daniel Dockery, Vulture, 7 July 2025
  • Williams was never offered any other clear pathway to finding relief—even as the agony from her fibroids was getting worse.
    Kayla Greaves, SELF, 3 July 2025
Verb
  • With water crises increasingly plaguing other areas of the country, Central Arkansas is positioning itself as a destination for sustainable economic growth.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 11 July 2025
  • Kobe Bufkin, Hawks The rare third-year player showing up at summer league, Bufkin had a rough summer in his 2023 rookie season and has been plagued by injuries ever since, only appearing in 27 games over his first two seasons.
    John Hollinger, New York Times, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • Anyone claiming otherwise is distorting the truth to justify and reward discriminatory behavior.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 10 July 2025
  • European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen accused China of distorting trade and limiting access for European firms two weeks ahead of a summit between the economic powers.
    Sydney Lake, Fortune, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • Fortune said Thursday that the Obama administration gave Haitians temporary protective status after an earthquake devastated Haiti, multiplying the island’s many miseries.
    Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 3 July 2025
  • The season ends with so many of the characters on the verge of a path to proper fulfillment; why prolong their misery?
    Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • Brown said a bite from a lone star tick can trigger an allergic reaction, with symptoms including hives, gastrointestinal distress and potentially life-threatening anaphylaxis.
    State House News Service, Boston Herald, 13 July 2025
  • Tiffany had shown no indication of being depressed or in emotional distress.
    Alex Gurley, People.com, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • There may be no animal that has been more revered and reviled, romanticized and persecuted, adopted and murdered than the coyote.
    Helen Whybrow July 7, Literary Hub, 7 July 2025
  • Asylum seekers must prove their government is persecuting them or that they're being persecuted by someone who the government is unable or unwilling to stop.
    Victoria Moorwood, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Noun
  • This Christlike journey of scapegoating and torment ends in comeuppance for the haters and doubters, whose petty provocations tend to evoke a Bond villain in adolescence.
    Joshua Hunt, Vulture, 5 June 2025
  • District loses appeal, must pay $1 million for El Segundo middle schooler’s year of torment.
    Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Torture.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/torture. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

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