torment 1 of 2

torment

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of torment are afflict, rack, torture, and try. While all these words mean "to inflict on a person something that is hard to bear," torment suggests persecution or the repeated inflicting of suffering or annoyance.

a horse tormented by flies

Where would afflict be a reasonable alternative to torment?

While the synonyms afflict and torment are close in meaning, 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

When could rack be used to replace torment?

The words rack and torment are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rack stresses straining or wrenching.

a body racked by pain

When is torture a more appropriate choice than torment?

In some situations, the words torture and torment are roughly equivalent. However, torture adds the implication of causing unbearable pain or suffering.

tortured by a sense of guilt

When might try be a better fit than torment?

While in some cases nearly identical to torment, 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 torment
Noun
The restoration team, led by longtime Dye disciple Tim Liddy, literally dug up the past, hand-excavating original contours, stripping and reshaping greens, and bringing back Dye’s signature elements—from punishing bunkers with steep grass faces to greens that tease and torment in equal measure. David Hochman, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025 Leigh used every moment, every expression, to tell Blanche's story and to illustrate her torment, her delusion, and her desire for affection. Ew Staff, EW.com, 2 Mar. 2025
Verb
Our kitty topples flower pots, breaks windows, and torments neighbors — empowering a dark fantasy so many human beings possess. Luke Winkie, Vulture, 1 Apr. 2025 Many of them would remember when the 17th Street Causeway had a draw bridge that tormented drivers, rising frequently for huge sailboats parading out to the Atlantic while locals were just trying to get to Publix. Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for torment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for torment
Noun
  • His experiences at Fuchu Prison left him with frostbite, screaming in agony, after being exposed to sub-zero temperatures during 20 days in solitary confinement.
    Daniel Taylor, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025
  • What began as a blissful afternoon in the Florida sun ended in agony when a Jeep Wrangler suddenly barreled over a man lying on the beach, police said.
    Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • At the Santa Monica test location after the rains, the level of beryllium — a metal that is toxic to fish and corals and causes respiratory distress in humans — was more than 10 times the maximum limit allowed.
    Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2025
  • The result: Some doctors and hospitals have held back on treatments, waiting for the fetal heartbeat to stop or for patients to wind up in undeniable distress.
    Kavitha Surana, ProPublica, 27 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • There are extravagant rock concerts, evil giant babies, fiery demons, and of course, the odd robot as well.
    Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
  • With the playoffs around the corner, New York could have slayed the proverbial dragon, shaken off its demons and walked into the playoffs believing.
    James L. Edwards III, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Puerto Rico is frequently plagued by power outages, with the most recent island-wide event on New Year's Eve taking days to resolve.
    Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Now a depth arm in the organization who was called up from triple-A Oklahoma City for a spot start Wednesday, Miller’s first MLB outing of 2025 mirrored the struggles that plagued him over the rest of 2024.
    Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • After blowing a 17-point lead in Saturday’s home loss to the Chicago Bulls, the Heat ran into the same nightmare on Monday.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2025
  • But the combination of Metcalf and Pickens will be a nightmare for opposing secondaries, so long as Pickens can jell with the more proven wideout.
    Jeff Howe, The Athletic, 10 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • In a lengthy interview with The Daily Mail, Moran's friend, Terry Stone, told the outlet that Moran's girlfriend was the one to encourage him to seek medical help after the actor was experiencing neck pain.
    Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • This not only reduces the immediate emotional pain, but also rebuilds your internal resource pool that no longer needs to be devoted to maintaining the relationship.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The suspect is now facing charges of assault with bodily injury with a previous conviction, injury to the elderly, continuous violence against family, resisting arrest and terror threat of family, McLennan County Jail records seen by PEOPLE show.
    Becca Longmire, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The report was commissioned after the deadly New Year's Day terror attack on Bourbon Street when a man intentionally drove a pickup truck into a crowd of revelers.
    Kierra Frazier, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Sold to the public as increasing transparency, the legislation has been utilized to persecute Georgia’s opposition and arrest dissidents with impunity.
    Anastasiya Zavyalova, The Conversation, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Again, none of these Beautiful People ever thought of assisting Americans who were being persecuted by the Deep State these last few years before Jan. 20.
    Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 19 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Torment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/torment. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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