as in to inflict
to cause to suffer punishment or vengeance for
wreaked their vengeance on those they considered enemies
Related Words
Relevance
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
Data have demonstrated that mental illness can wreak havoc on the brain.
—
Eric J. Nestler, STAT, 28 Apr. 2026
The songs are these one-man shows of self-reckoning (Lamar’s writing loves a mirror) and wreaking havoc.
—New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026
If there’s trust on the back end, James can move up closer to the line of scrimmage to make plays and wreak havoc.
—Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2026
For Trudeau, this week’s wildfires are yet another sign that climate change is wreaking havoc on natural ecosystems and increasing fire activity across the country, including in historically humid landscapes.
—Denise Chow, NBC news, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for wreak
Eric J. Nestler, STAT, 28 Apr. 2026
The songs are these one-man shows of self-reckoning (Lamar’s writing loves a mirror) and wreaking havoc.
—New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026
If there’s trust on the back end, James can move up closer to the line of scrimmage to make plays and wreak havoc.
—Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2026
For Trudeau, this week’s wildfires are yet another sign that climate change is wreaking havoc on natural ecosystems and increasing fire activity across the country, including in historically humid landscapes.
—Denise Chow, NBC news, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for wreak
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wreak
Verb
-
Most critically, these experiences inflict lasting reputational harm, undermining the relationship between our organizations and our audiences, and threatening the likelihood that a guest will ever return.—
Lori Dimun,
Chicago Tribune,
6 May 2026
-
But Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukrainian forces destroyed several military and other targets, while also inflicting significant damage on oil port infrastructure.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
3 May 2026
Verb
-
The metaphor perfectly fits the 6-foot-5 Jordan, who casts an imposing figure on the mound.—
Patrick Z. McGavin,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Apr. 2026
-
The proposal would impose a one-time tax of up to 5% on taxpayers and trusts with assets valued at more than $1 billion, with some exclusions, such as property.—
Queenie Wong,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Wreak.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wreak. Accessed 7 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
