inflict

verb

Definition of inflictnext
as in to impose
to cause someone to accept or experience something unwanted The criminal inflicted a lifetime of distress on his unsuspecting victims.

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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 inflict Interestingly, there has been very little research on the effects inflicted on a wide-binary companion during such an event. — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 14 Aug. 2026 The blogger suffered injuries that may have been inflicted with a knife, according to TMZ. — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 14 Aug. 2026 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 Fortunately, Green’s film exists — and was not thrown into a little black hole by a bunch of accountants, never to be seen again — and can surely help cure any of the pain its backstory still inflicts on movie fans and Tunes geeks. — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inflict
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inflict
  1. impose
  2. create
  3. force
  4. bring
Verb
  • Tokayev, who has sought to maintain a delicate balance between Moscow and the West since sanctions were imposed on Russia over the war in Ukraine, has justified the changes by citing the need for rapid decision-making in a fast-changing world.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Zelensky’s five-year term was originally expected to end in 2024, but elections in Ukraine have been postponed under martial law imposed following Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
    — Nathan Hodge, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of impose
Verb
  • In addition, a law creating new asylum eligibility requirements, including new time limits for applying, went into effect earlier this year.
    — Catherine E. Shoichet, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
  • In Freeport, Allen has built the Bahamas Maritime Museum, where relics are cataloged, conserved, and displayed, creating local jobs and drawing tourists.
    — Brett Berk, Robb Report, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of create
Verb
  • His removal triggered mass protests that lasted for weeks but ultimately failed to force a reversal of the decision.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
  • The throw arrived in time but landed several feet short, forcing Knizner in an awkward position to make a difficult pick.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of force
Verb
  • The service The team are friendly, enthusiastic, and genuinely warm, made even more memorable by their vibrant, patterned uniforms that bring extra character to the experience.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Drew Gilbert brought the Giants within two runs by lining a two-run shot over the short right-field fence, then Devers followed up on the next pitch with a solo homer to center.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of bring

Browse Nearby Words

inflexible
inflict
inflicted
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inflict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inflict. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on inflict

Nglish: Translation of inflict for Spanish Speakers

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