afflict

Synonym Chooser

How is the word afflict different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of afflict are rack, torment, torture, and try. While all these words mean "to inflict on a person something that is hard to bear," afflict is a general term and applies to the causing of pain or suffering or of acute annoyance, embarrassment, or any distress.

ills that afflict the elderly

Where would rack be a reasonable alternative to afflict?

In some situations, the words rack and afflict are roughly equivalent. However, rack stresses straining or wrenching.

a body racked by pain

When might torment be a better fit than afflict?

While in some cases nearly identical to afflict, torment suggests persecution or the repeated inflicting of suffering or annoyance.

a horse tormented by flies

In what contexts can torture take the place of afflict?

The synonyms torture and afflict are sometimes interchangeable, but torture adds the implication of causing unbearable pain or suffering.

tortured by a sense of guilt

When can try be used instead of afflict?

Although the words try and afflict have much in common, try suggests imposing something that strains the powers of endurance or of self-control.

children often try their parents' patience

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 afflict Attack has been the most heavily afflicted, with Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus all requiring surgery. Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 15 May 2025 Created in partnership with Japanese investment company SBI, the fund is intended to play a part in addressing a thorny problem that afflicts the United Kingdom’s venture ecosystem - namely, a relative shortage of growth-stage capital. Trevor Clawson, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025 Where since the 1980s, Father John Moretta has counseled parishioners at Resurrection Church in Boyle Heights on the troubles that afflict their neighborhood. Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2025 Recent research suggests that the global area afflicted by lethal heat waves would triple in size in coming decades even if global climate agreements — which President Trump exited on his first day in office — were kept. Saul Elbein, The Hill, 14 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for afflict
Recent Examples of Synonyms for afflict
Verb
  • But visa issues may plague the lead-up to the event — and not just for athletes but the vast Olympics ecosystem, from coaches and families to sponsors and vendors to, of course, attendees.
    Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 5 June 2025
  • The wallet aims to solve cross-border payment challenges that have long plagued African creators.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 5 June 2025
Verb
  • Leopoldo chose to be the voice of the people who elected him, and was persecuted for it.
    Imamu "Mu" Tomlinson, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • After being persecuted for the nature of her work, the political scientist arrived to the U.S. in 2022 on a visa.
    Nicole Acevedo, NBC news, 27 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Afflict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/afflict. Accessed 9 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on afflict

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!