wreak

verb

Definition of wreaknext
as in to inflict
to cause to suffer punishment or vengeance for wreaked their vengeance on those they considered enemies

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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 wreak These pests can wreak havoc on lawns and greenery, from ornamental trees like birch and oak to essential garden crops, including tomatoes, beans, and onions. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 11 July 2026 Small parts and fragments of material clog up your dishwasher, wreaking havoc in their wake. — Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 9 July 2026 Robert Eggers is once again wreaking Gothic period havoc upon theaters this coming Christmas. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 29 June 2026 Heat and humidity can wreak havoc on their circuitry and batteries. — Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for wreak
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wreak
  1. inflict
  2. impose
Verb
  • Iran has aimed significant firepower at its neighbors’ refineries, oil exports and tourist attractions, inflicting economic havoc on the Gulf states and the countries that do business with them.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
  • In addition to inflicting devastating loss on the battlefield, Ukrainian drones are now advanced enough to penetrate deep into Russian territory.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of inflict
Verb
  • Where OpenAI wants federal law to override the states, Anthropic favors preserving state AI laws unless Congress passes something at least as strong, framing preemption as a floor to build on rather than a ceiling to impose.
    — Paulo Carvão, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Kim imposed two consecutive terms of 25 years to life and barred Kendall from contacting his son, with limited exceptions subject to court approval, until November 2035, when the boy turns 16 years old.
    — Jason Green, Mercury News, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of impose

Browse Nearby Words

wraths
wreak
wreaked
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Cite this Entry

“Wreak.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wreak. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on wreak

Nglish: Translation of wreak for Spanish Speakers

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