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 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 In the film, Hathaway reprises her role as Andy Sachs, a successful newspaper journalist who, along with her colleagues, is fired en masse as part of the havoc digital media is wreaking on the print industry. — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026 Related Stories The trailer shows the Marvel heroes assembling as Doctor Doom prepares to wreak multiverse-crossing war on the heroes. — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for wreak
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wreak
  1. inflict
  2. impose
Verb
  • Newsom’s film speaks directly to harm inflicted on young women who are routinely denigrated on social media and who face constant scrutiny of their appearance and comportment through online platforms.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Rather than immediately exposing maneuver forces to direct contact, Russian commanders typically first attempt to inflict sufficient losses on Ukrainian defenders to make the subsequent assault more manageable.
    — Vikram Mittal, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of inflict
Verb
  • When Roebbelen began building a cabin there as a UC Davis student and journeyman carpenter, his father imposed a condition that made the project part construction job, part character test.
    — David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The Louisiana ruling prevents the SEC from imposing its rules — and LSU from keeping those players off the team — but the conference is ready to take that question to court in Alabama, where the league office is located.
    — Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 5 Sep. 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 6 Sep. 2026.

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