SCOURGE Synonyms: 211 Similar and Opposite Words

scourge 1 of 2

noun

ˈskərj

Definition of scourge

as in whip

a long thin or flexible tool for striking the museum display included a scourge, thumbscrews, and other notorious instruments of torture

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as in nemesis

one who inflicts punishment in return for an injury or offense the attorney general, who just happens to be a candidate for governor, is a self-proclaimed scourge of organized crime

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in curse

a source of harm or misfortune the sheer ubiquity of food is proving to be the scourge of humanity, as evidenced by the obesity epidemic

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

scourge

2 of 2

verb

as in to ravage

to bring destruction to (something) through violent action barbarians scourged the countryside, leaving village after village burned to the ground

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to whip

to strike repeatedly with something long and thin or flexible scourge the tree with a whip to loosen the bark

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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 scourge

Noun

As every sensible person knows, the SAVE America Act will not stem a nonexistent scourge of ineligible voters casting ballots in large numbers. — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 26 July 2026 The scourge of modern club football is the obsession with pressing. — Michael Cox, New York Times, 22 July 2026

Verb

Sylvia scourges herself with an intensity that would make hairshirted flagellants seem soft. — Jim Higgins, Journal Sentinel, 25 Mar. 2024 The tragedy inspired a poem by twelve-year-old Benjamin Franklin and a funeral oration by the scourging Puritan clergyman Cotton Mather. — Dorothy Wickenden, The New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2023 See All Example Sentences for scourge

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scourge

Noun

The young trees, often called whips, have high stem densities.

— Tom Huggler, Outdoor Life, 13 Aug. 2026
In addition to being a Democratic whip while serving in Congress, Jones was a member of the Committee on Public Works and Transportation and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

— Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of whip

Noun

Along with the town’s hard-drinking fisherman Wyck (Root), and the town hall staff of Patricia (O’Flynn), Rosemary (Dickey) and Dale (Hiller), Loftis tries to ignore a centuries-old island curse while attracting tourists to the island.

— Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 16 Aug. 2026
In other cases Hoodoo was used to counter the threat of curses, as in the practice of suspending bottles from a tree to trap any malevolent spirits or witches traveling in spirit form.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of curse

Verb

Though males are wingless and females can fly short distances, that reproductive efficiency — combined with its tiny size and penchant for hiding in wood — has supercharged a rapid spread across South Africa.

— Jack Bantock, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
Bosch reminded the public to lock their vehicles and hide valuables, noting that thieves often scan for unlocked cars by looking for extended side mirrors.

— Peter D'Oench, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of hide

Noun

This assortment features best sellers including the 24/7 Classic T-Shirt Bra, which has support, comfort adjustable straps and no-show double-layer back.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
But when his nephew falls gravely ill, Li straps on the homemade contraption one last time.

— Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of strap

Noun

He's viewed by many as a vigilante whose actions against an unfair health care system were justified.

— Brian Mann, NPR, 14 Aug. 2026
In major urban centers, persistent joblessness has fueled a resurgence of anti-migrant rhetoric and vigilante violence targeting foreigners from neighboring African states, who are frequently accused of taking jobs and overloading local services.

— Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of vigilante

Noun

Robby might be the bane of everyone’s existence in The Pitt and on the interwebs, but Wyle’s stellar work, especially in the final two episodes of season 2, sealed the deal for a second win that was already locked.

— Joyce Eng, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Aug. 2026
Unpredictable weather is always the bane of eclipse chasing — and today's event has been no different.

— Raf Sanchez, NBC news, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of bane

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Style

“Scourge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scourge. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of scourge

noun

verb

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