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 1966, just four distilleries remained in Ireland after the havoc wreaked by two world wars and Prohibition, and three of those consolidated at Midleton: John Jameson & Son, John Powers & Son, and Cork Distilleries Company (Bushmills in Northern Ireland was the fourth).
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Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 11 Apr. 2025
The havoc that Trump has wreaked on America, and the rest of the world, in his eight weeks back in office requires some restraint in the deployment of this analogy.
—Susan B. Glasser, The New Yorker, 20 Mar. 2025
Bird flu continues to wreak financial havoc for farmers, which is then trickling down to consumers in the form of higher prices, particularly on eggs.
—Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 11 Feb. 2025
Now cancer-free, Kilmer is still recovering from the havoc the treatments wreaked on his body.
—Kara Warner, People.com, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for wreak
Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 11 Apr. 2025
The havoc that Trump has wreaked on America, and the rest of the world, in his eight weeks back in office requires some restraint in the deployment of this analogy.
—Susan B. Glasser, The New Yorker, 20 Mar. 2025
Bird flu continues to wreak financial havoc for farmers, which is then trickling down to consumers in the form of higher prices, particularly on eggs.
—Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 11 Feb. 2025
Now cancer-free, Kilmer is still recovering from the havoc the treatments wreaked on his body.
—Kara Warner, People.com, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for wreak
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wreak
Verb
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On August 3, 2014, Daesh launched a devastating attack on Sinjar, inflicting widespread atrocities on the Yazidi community.—
Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab,
Forbes.com,
13 May 2025
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If America can mend that contract before Trump and his MAGA movement inflict lasting damage…then there is still hope.—
Nectar Gan,
CNN Money,
12 May 2025
Verb
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In Game 6, the Nuggets, already playing a short rotation, finally decided to impose their will physically on a young Thunder team.—
Kelly Iko,
New York Times,
16 May 2025
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The law imposes civil penalties and mandates back pay and benefits for noncompliance.—
Alonzo Martinez,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Wreak.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wreak. Accessed 24 May. 2025.
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