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
In just a decade the Marriott Hotel went from a promise of Haiti’s future to a remnant of its past, as the country’s armed gangs continue to wreak economic damage.
—
Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 25 Apr. 2025
Present at the Destruction The full scope of the destruction the second Trump administration has wreaked on the machinery of U.S. foreign policy and national security is hard to capture.
—Elizabeth N. Saunders, Foreign Affairs, 16 June 2025
Perhaps capitalist Trump sees the financial damage the invasives could wreak on Midwestern states, as he’s promised the feds will write a check for their fair share.
—Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025
And in contrast to the damage invasive species wreak on Florida’s ecosystem, danger from bears is minimal.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for wreak
Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 25 Apr. 2025
Present at the Destruction The full scope of the destruction the second Trump administration has wreaked on the machinery of U.S. foreign policy and national security is hard to capture.
—Elizabeth N. Saunders, Foreign Affairs, 16 June 2025
Perhaps capitalist Trump sees the financial damage the invasives could wreak on Midwestern states, as he’s promised the feds will write a check for their fair share.
—Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025
And in contrast to the damage invasive species wreak on Florida’s ecosystem, danger from bears is minimal.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for wreak
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wreak
Verb
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Attempting to assault a federal officer and inflict bodily injury is punishable by a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, according to the U.S. Attorney's office.—
Alexandra Koch,
FOXNews.com,
27 June 2025
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Jurors, who deliberated for about a day, also rejected sentencing enhancements for inflicting great bodily injury on his accusers.—
City News Service,
Oc Register,
25 June 2025
Verb
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The state also referenced the heavy toll a monthslong trial could impose on the families as well as the possibility of lengthy appeals even if Kohberger were to be convicted and sentenced to death, according to the letter reviewed by ABC News.—
Kayna Whitworth,
ABC News,
1 July 2025
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In early 2025, the U.S. imposed new tariffs on Canadian lumber, pushing duties as high as 35%.—
Felicia Jackson,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Wreak.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wreak. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.
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