as in to inflict
to cause to suffer punishment or vengeance for
wreaked their vengeance on those they considered enemies
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Recent Examples of wreak
These pesky insects can wreak havoc on your plants, so a little preparation goes a long way.
—
Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 11 June 2026
This week’s second-to-last episode sees the conditions around Widow’s Bay deteriorating, as the reignited Warren curse on the island wreaks havoc.
—David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 11 June 2026
Many people always say that after a weather event wreaks its way through a community, that's the exact time community is needed.
—Jessica Riley, CBS News, 11 June 2026
Youths wreaked havoc on Lee’s Summit’s Downtown Days on Saturday evening, and law enforcement eventually scattered attendees with threats of Tasers and pepper balls.
—Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for wreak
Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 11 June 2026
This week’s second-to-last episode sees the conditions around Widow’s Bay deteriorating, as the reignited Warren curse on the island wreaks havoc.
—David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 11 June 2026
Many people always say that after a weather event wreaks its way through a community, that's the exact time community is needed.
—Jessica Riley, CBS News, 11 June 2026
Youths wreaked havoc on Lee’s Summit’s Downtown Days on Saturday evening, and law enforcement eventually scattered attendees with threats of Tasers and pepper balls.
—Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for wreak
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wreak
Verb
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The finding, drawn from a study linking survey data on borrower beliefs to credit bureau records, puts a precise number on the financial damage inflicted by years of government policy whiplash on student debt.—
Catherina Gioino,
Fortune,
17 June 2026
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That would be a huge win for polluters, worth $60-$200 million, and they would not be held accountable for the damage already inflicted on us.—
Chris Hartmann,
New York Daily News,
16 June 2026
Verb
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My eyes darted back and forth, trying to grasp the imposing silhouette in its entirety.—
Karina Zaiets,
USA Today,
19 June 2026
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The filing, submitted in the San Diego County Superior Court, seeks a judge’s order to condemn and destroy the embargoed kratom products, halt ongoing unlawful manufacturing and impose civil penalties.—
Karen Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Wreak.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wreak. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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