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 The havoc a hacker wreaks using their attack could be catastrophic. — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 13 Aug. 2026 Beyond Ormund, the episode is meant to give a sense of the wanton destruction wreaked upon innocent civilians in the midst of war. — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026 And now Europe’s key rivers are drying up, threatening to wreak new havoc across the continent in this summer of climate extremes. — Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 8 Aug. 2026 These aren’t just wins for Kyiv’s coffers, or for its ability to wreak fresh havoc on Russian targets. — Thomas Nagorski, Time, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for wreak
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wreak
  1. inflict
  2. impose
Verb
  • Caruso has been charged with kidnapping, lewd or lascivious molestation, lewd or lascivious exhibition, luring or enticing a child, and child abuse inflicting mental injury.
    — Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The picture could change, however, if higher rates finally begin to inflict significant damage on the economy or financial markets.
    — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of inflict
Verb
  • Nighttime curfews were also imposed in parts of Altai and in Baikalsk, in the Irkutsk region.
    — Arina Porkhovnik, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Trade tensions between the EU and China have grown in recent months, with both sides imposing or considering curbs on each other’s imports.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Oct. 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 Oct. 2026.

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