1
as in whip
a long thin or flexible tool for striking
the museum display included a scourge, thumbscrews, and other notorious instruments of torture
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to ravage
to bring destruction to (something) through violent action
barbarians scourged the countryside, leaving village after village burned to the ground
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to whip
to strike repeatedly with something long and thin or flexible
scourge the tree with a whip to loosen the bark
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of scourge
Camille Borders, The Atlantic, 3 June 2026
In a new documentary from The Frontier and ProPublica, reporter Nick Bowlin investigates a scourge of oil field wastewater seeping into the lives of Oklahomans, about half of whom live within a mile of an oil and gas operation.
—Katie Campbell, ProPublica, 2 June 2026
Dorothy Wickenden, The New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2023
Like its American rival, the Tiger was initially intended to scourge Soviet tank battalions, but was refashioned for multi-role capabilities.
—Sébastien Roblin, Popular Mechanics, 9 Mar. 2023
See All Example Sentences for scourge
Noun
Going beyond the typically neutral language found in Smithsonian museums, the exhibit charged the Department of Public Health as complicit in creating the scourge.
—Camille Borders, The Atlantic, 3 June 2026
In a new documentary from The Frontier and ProPublica, reporter Nick Bowlin investigates a scourge of oil field wastewater seeping into the lives of Oklahomans, about half of whom live within a mile of an oil and gas operation.
—Katie Campbell, ProPublica, 2 June 2026
Verb
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
Like its American rival, the Tiger was initially intended to scourge Soviet tank battalions, but was refashioned for multi-role capabilities.
—Sébastien Roblin, Popular Mechanics, 9 Mar. 2023
See All Example Sentences for scourge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scourge
Noun
-
During enslavement, physical violence, such as being beaten with whips, was used to control Black bodies.—
Nia Dumas,
NPR,
16 June 2026
-
The blazer featured two wide lapels outlined in a whip stitch and stacked pocket flaps on each side of body.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
15 June 2026
Noun
-
The second-half substitute headed in Graham Zusi’s corner kick to lift the Americans to a victory over World Cup nemesis Ghana.—
Michael Lewis,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2026
-
Jeffrey Jones played Principal Ed Rooney, Ferris' nemesis, who is dead set on catching Bueller in his foolery, but ultimately fails at his mission.—
Emma Urdangen,
PEOPLE,
14 June 2026
Noun
-
Such is the blessing and curse of summer produce.—
Rebecca Firkser,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
15 June 2026
-
The Curse of Billy Penn lived on for decades, and now the modern-day Rocky statue curse appears to have claimed its latest victim.—
Tom Ignudo,
CBS News,
15 June 2026
Verb
-
The post-apocalyptic horror film stars Will Smith as a virologist and the last living human in a New York ravaged by a plague that turns humans into vampiric mutants.—
Britt Hayes,
Entertainment Weekly,
16 June 2026
-
Fergie’s family, like so many at the time, were reeling from a hurricane that ravaged the island four weeks earlier on its way to slam into Galveston, Texas.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
16 June 2026
Verb
-
In fact, some are doing little to hide their skepticism – and, in some cases, outright frustration – with the agreement.—
Joey Garrison,
USA Today,
19 June 2026
-
So my whole upbringing was hiding and carrying this huge weight and secret.—
Carly Thomas,
HollywoodReporter,
19 June 2026
Noun
-
The journey begins on solid ground, where guests put on a harness, strap on a backpack with camping gear, and start the journey climbing a 200 to 300-foot tree.—
Evie Carrick,
Travel + Leisure,
14 June 2026
-
The bag is also equipped with a detachable crossbody strap that's padded for comfort.—
Tanya Sharma,
PEOPLE,
14 June 2026
Noun
-
The first film, starring Robert Pattinson in the titular role, sees Bruce Wayne navigate his second year as Gotham's resident vigilante when a serial killer goes after several prominent public figures.—
Rachel Raposas,
PEOPLE,
12 June 2026
-
For a storyteller whose works revolve around complicated or slippery romances, life-altering revelations, and fateful everyday encounters, the brutality of the mafia and New York City street vigilantes feels far removed from her own.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
4 June 2026
Noun
-
Now, decades later, weekday lunches have become the bane of my existence.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
12 June 2026
-
Thankfully, the in-room fax machines that were the bane of Bob Harris’ existence are long gone, too.—
Carrie Bell,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Scourge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scourge. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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