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 the Season 1 finale, written by creator and showrunner Tony Gilroy, she’s rescued by Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) after suffering through debilitating torture at the hands of the Empire. Adam B. Vary, Variety, 23 Apr. 2025 In The Last of Us legend, Abby tortures and murders Joel to avenge the death of her father, Jerry, the lead surgeon of the Firefly rebel militia whom Joel kills to save Ellie’s life. Katie Heaney, Vulture, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
The widow of an Afghan man – whose lawyer says was tortured and killed by the Taliban after his identity was revealed in an Emmy-winning National Geographic documentary – has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the filmmakers in Los Angeles. Rich Schapiro, NBC news, 6 May 2025 The government wasted little time in setting up a system in which the state could do anything from seizing a person’s assets to trying them before a special court and then sending them to a concentration camp to be tortured or killed. Amanda Taub, New York Times, 3 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for torture
Recent Examples of Synonyms for torture
Noun
  • This harrowing, 35mm-shot story of pubescent boys tormenting each other at a water polo summer camp doubles as a coming-of-age drama and an adolescent, acne-scarred body-horror nightmare.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 15 May 2025
  • The reader is brought into the heart of Israel’s nightmare.
    Daniel Foster, National Review, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • In video of the attack released by police at the time, she can be heard screaming in agony.
    Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 9 May 2025
  • Dropping dramatically to the floor, Busquets writhed in agony and Motta was duly sent off.
    Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The last five years have brought back weaknesses that plagued Kohli early in his career as a brash but fiercely talented batter.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 12 May 2025
  • Flanagan boys track coach Jessica Carter said the inclement weather which plagued the meet the entire weekend and forced the postponement of the 3A meet until Saturday posed problems for her boys team.
    Gary Curreri, Sun Sentinel, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • Weekly figures by their very nature tend to be volatile, and when viewed alone could just be noise distorting the underlying trend.
    Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 13 May 2025
  • The idea was to first represent the optimism of America, which then dissipated into this darkness, which shifted, melted and distorted into an evil-looking clown.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
Noun
  • The Best Clothing Box Photograph: Stitch Fix Stitch Fix Kids Clothes Box $16 Stitch Fix As my kids have gotten older, shopping for their clothes has become a misery.
    Adrienne So, Wired News, 17 May 2025
  • The value of the Syrian currency plummeted during the civil war years, adding to the misery.
    Raja Abdulrahim, New York Times, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • Recorded woodpecker distress calls or raptor calls can also repel the birds.
    Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 16 May 2025
  • While capital markets are also effective pools of capital, there is a benefit to having a single entity that acts with conviction during times of distress.
    Korok Ray, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • Some of the journalists who were terminated on Thursday were from countries with repressive governments that persecute journalists for independent reporting, Mr. Abramowitz said in the email to employees on Thursday.
    Minho Kim, New York Times, 16 May 2025
  • According to tradition, Peter traveled to Rome to spread the Christian message and was martyred there during the reign of the Emperor Nero, around 64 A.D., as Christians were being persecuted.
    Vanessa Gera, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2025
Noun
  • Blinded by love, Hilmi doesn’t see the torment Leyla’s new stepmother inflicts on her, turning their home into a living nightmare.
    Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 8 May 2025
  • Connors redefines his mission, which results in a personal transformation to ultimately escape the torment of a never-ending Groundhog Day.
    Michael Hicks, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Torture.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/torture. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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