as in to impose
to cause someone to accept or experience something unwanted
The criminal inflicted a lifetime of distress on his unsuspecting victims.
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of inflict
The orders inflict penalties that could financially and reputationally hamper the firms.
—
Henry Gass, Christian Science Monitor, 3 Apr. 2025
Investigators believe bite wounds suffered by Denholm were inflicted by domestic dogs rather than wild animals.
—Max Levy, Denver Post, 28 Mar. 2025
Many said that despite the devastation that was inflicted by Germany, their families had been victims too and wanted closure of their own from the war.
—Malcolm Hillgartner Tanya Pérez Lance Neal, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
Attacking more often, and with heavier munitions, might inflict lasting damage.
—David Axe, Forbes, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inflict
Henry Gass, Christian Science Monitor, 3 Apr. 2025
Investigators believe bite wounds suffered by Denholm were inflicted by domestic dogs rather than wild animals.
—Max Levy, Denver Post, 28 Mar. 2025
Many said that despite the devastation that was inflicted by Germany, their families had been victims too and wanted closure of their own from the war.
—Malcolm Hillgartner Tanya Pérez Lance Neal, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
Attacking more often, and with heavier munitions, might inflict lasting damage.
—David Axe, Forbes, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inflict
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inflict
Verb
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Trump defended his decision to impose tariffs, saying that the trade situation with U.S. partners was unsustainable and that someone needed to act.—
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Apr. 2025
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Trump has also vowed to impose tariffs on a slew of other industries, including lumber, pharmaceuticals and copper.—
Elisabeth Buchwald,
CNN Money,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The crisis has created a surge in patriotism among Canadians, with many in the country feeling that Carney is the best person to lead the country at the moment.—
Rob Gillies,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Mar. 2025
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Legal scholars have said there is little legal precedent for Trump's war on Big Law, which has created a chilling effect across the legal community, and most will certainly have a chilling effect on his opponents who will need legal representation against him.—
Alexander Mallin,
ABC News,
29 Mar. 2025
Verb
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However, no amount of care or good intentions can prevent the sudden demolition of the brothers’ home, courtesy of a vague order from the IDF — for which the family is even forced to pay.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
11 Apr. 2025
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Due to the alligator's aggressive behavior, Department of Natural Resources contractors were forced to euthanize the reptile and remove it from the area.—
Doc Louallen,
ABC News,
10 Apr. 2025
Verb
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These roles lean towards the generic but the savvy casting of veteran actors still manage to bring some character to their anonymity without drawing focus from the play’s principal mission.—
Frank Rizzo,
Variety,
4 Apr. 2025
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The car manufacturer also brought its signature elegance to Tokyo with the No. 001 Minami Aoyama mansion, developed in collaboration with the top-tier Japanese luxury concierge firm Vibroa.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
3 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inflict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inflict. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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