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
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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
Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Jan. 2025
Torres, 36, Afro-Latino and gay, is a prominent scourge of identity politics.
—David Mark, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Feb. 2025
Sébastien Roblin, Popular Mechanics, 9 Mar. 2023
Of all the fearful diseases that scourge the human race, this ranks among those that are justly feared most.
—Mark Fischetti, Scientific American, 2 Nov. 2021
See All Example Sentences for scourge
Noun
Set in Europe during the Dark Ages, the story sees hordes from Hell invading Europe when the Six Petals, a secret sect of the Knights Templar, pray to God to drive back the demonic scourge.
—Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Jan. 2025
Torres, 36, Afro-Latino and gay, is a prominent scourge of identity politics.
—David Mark, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
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
Of all the fearful diseases that scourge the human race, this ranks among those that are justly feared most.
—Mark Fischetti, Scientific American, 2 Nov. 2021
See All Example Sentences for scourge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scourge
Noun
-
Over in the House, Mike Johnson held his usually fractious conference together on the spending plan with Trump acting as whip, keeping every Republican save one in line.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
14 Mar. 2025
-
The two stars whip around each other once every 125.5 minutes.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
12 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Comedian, actor and Donald Trump nemesis Rosie O’Donnell has become the latest stand-up celebrity to flee the U.S. in the wake of the president’s reelection.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
12 Mar. 2025
-
The novel is a pas de trois (dance for three) starring Natalia, her partner, Alexander, and her nemesis, Dmitri.—
The Know,
The Denver Post,
9 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Then, Democrats have to be thinking about what happens if Republicans only have a mild case of the midterm curse.—
Chris Stirewalt,
The Hill,
14 Mar. 2025
-
Flubber can do anything, which is both a blessing and a curse for Professor Brainard.—
Kara Nesvig,
Parents,
12 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
No broken bottle is going to keep him from ravaging his prey.—
Charles McNulty,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Mar. 2025
-
Listen to this article MIAMI — For a roster jolted by the trade of Jimmy Butler and ravaged recently by injuries and absences, a constant for the Miami Heat this season has been the team’s two-way contracts.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
7 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
In an interview with The Times of London Sunday, the Lord of the Rings actor urged famous LGBTQ people hiding their identity to come out of the closet.—
Tomás Mier,
Rolling Stone,
10 Mar. 2025
-
While Timothy's family didn't think twice about his odd behavior — Victoria laughed and rolled her eyes, Saxon laughed, Lochlan cringed, and Piper hid her face in embarrassment — Isaacs spent a long time thinking about what has led his character to this rock bottom moment.—
Sydney Bucksbaum,
EW.com,
10 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
From a $7 luggage strap to secure your belongings to a four-pack of AirTags to keep tabs on your bags, this St. Patrick’s Day sale is made for travelers.—
Olivia Young,
Travel + Leisure,
13 Mar. 2025
-
The versatile spring-forward piece can be used as a handheld bag or as a crossbody with a detachable strap.—
Melony Forcier,
People.com,
13 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
But along with this reputation came allegations that he was connected to extrajudicial killings by a well coordinated group of vigilantes.—
Kathleen Magramo,
CNN,
11 Mar. 2025
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Fueled by the fear that his new romantic partner might be taken from him forever, Caine goes on a daring vigilante mission to save her, backed by the full knowledge that no matter of pain can slow him down.—
Gregory Nussen,
Deadline,
8 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
These little piles around my home are the bane of my existence.—
Sari Hitchins,
Parents,
17 Mar. 2025
-
And then mentioned the bane of many drivers (including me), a flat tire repair kit that Tesla offers.—
Brooke Crothers,
Forbes,
12 Feb. 2025
Articles Related to scourge
Cite this Entry
“Scourge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scourge. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.
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