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
This is exactly what the Kremlin wants: political torment to add to Kyiv’s woes across the front line. Nick Paton Walsh, CNN, 19 Feb. 2025 And there is arguably something no less unseemly about making a show about yet-unresolved torment and grief that corrals one’s family into an extended act of performance. Naomi Fry, The New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2025
Verb
America sanctioned the school where she was abused and tormented. Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 Apr. 2025 He’s clearly still tormented by his father’s death and finding the man responsible, but sharing all of that with Chelsea (Aimee Lou Wood) is a big step. Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 9 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for torment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for torment
Noun
  • Ellie is stricken with agony, her reaction almost feral.
    Noel Murray, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025
  • The agony of not knowing was heartbreakingly illustrated by the plight of Oscar Johnson, of St. Charles.
    Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • On Tuesday, April 29, Patrick Cooper filed a lawsuit against Tisci, 50, claiming assault, battery, false imprisonment, intentional infliction of emotional distress and violations of New York State’s Gender-Motivated Violence Act.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 2 May 2025
  • The letter noted that Connelly allowed this to carry on as West showed symptoms of neurological and behavioral distress.
    Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • On the line: A trip to the conference final where Washington and Carolina will have a chance to exorcize some demons.
    The Athletic NHL, New York Times, 3 May 2025
  • The Knicks then exorcised another demon — awful performances coming out of the halftime break.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 2 May 2025
Verb
  • But the final 22 minutes of Game 5 demonstrated the same weaknesses that plagued Orlando for the entire season and throughout the playoff series.
    Josh Robbins, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
  • In a system plagued by fragmentation, mobile care can deliver both clinical impact and operational edge.
    Paulina Wierzbicka, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Playing one-on-one with Kobe Bryant was a hooper’s dream while growing up, but that quickly turned into a nightmare for Bow Wow, who got shut out 10-0 when facing the Mamba Mentality.
    Michael Saponara, Billboard, 1 May 2025
  • Navigating the complexities surrounding tariffs can be a nightmare for shippers.
    Steve Banker, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Antivirals: Ear pain related to viruses may require antiviral medications.
    Mark Gurarie, Health, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Perhaps Vrabel values the toughness Hill showed in playing through pain.
    Chad Graff, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial Dedicated to the 184 victims who died at the Pentagon and on American Airlines Flight 77 during the September 11, 2001 terror attacks, the somber National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial features 184 illuminated benches situated among 84 Crepe Myrtle trees.
    Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 3 May 2025
  • Democracy is based on trust whereas dictatorships are based on terror.
    Paul Bernstein, Hartford Courant, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • In a video posted to his Truth Social platform in December 2023, Trump accused the FBI and DOJ of sending undercover spies to churches to persecute people of faith.
    Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
  • The statement concluded with an expression of solidarity with Christians who are persecuted.
    Chloe Breyer, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Torment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/torment. Accessed 8 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on torment

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