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 Bernthal’s biggest scenes are flashbacks to the Trojan War, as Menelaus and his army wreak bloody havoc on Troy that haunts Odysseus for many years after. — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 16 July 2026 These pests can wreak havoc on lawns and greenery, from ornamental trees like birch and oak to essential garden crops, including tomatoes, beans, and onions. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 11 July 2026 Small parts and fragments of material clog up your dishwasher, wreaking havoc in their wake. — Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 9 July 2026 Robert Eggers is once again wreaking Gothic period havoc upon theaters this coming Christmas. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for wreak
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wreak
  1. inflict
  2. impose
Verb
  • Filed jointly with the WGA West and East branches, the guild’s suit claims the merger violates antitrust law and would inflict irreparable harm on industry scribes.
    — Jack Dunn, Variety, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Even Corlys tries to negotiate for peace rather than see more devastation inflicted on soldiers and innocent people alike (not to mention the children Ormund lines around the city's gates as human shields).
    — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of inflict
Verb
  • As opposed to grander, more institutional museums which can feel staid or imposing, the staff here are all warm and welcoming.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Aug. 2026
  • In a live context, and with the limits imposed by a hardware-heavy setup, there’s more possibility that the process will throw out some startling mutation.
    — Will Pritchard, Pitchfork, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of impose

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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 13 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on wreak

Nglish: Translation of wreak for Spanish Speakers

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