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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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
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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
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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
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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
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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of scourge
Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 29 Dec. 2024
Smallpox was a scourge that followed the Continental Army throughout the war.
—John Laycock, Baltimore Sun, 27 Dec. 2024
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
But, then, in a great and noble second act, the former president travels the world spreading goodness, peace and light while helping build safe and affordable housing for the needy and fighting the twin scourges of poverty and disease.
—Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 29 Dec. 2024
Smallpox was a scourge that followed the Continental Army throughout the war.
—John Laycock, Baltimore Sun, 27 Dec. 2024
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
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Shōgun Set in 16th-century Japan, Shōgun is a whip smart and nuanced series that FX thrust onto us this year.Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 22 Dec. 2024
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But numerous House Democrats said Tuesday that activity appeared to be fairly limited and fell short of a true whip operation.Andrew Solender, Axios, 18 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Evans will be reunited in Sunday’s NFC wild-card game with cornerback Marshon Lattimore, his former Saints nemesis who was traded to the Commanders.Rick Stroud, Orlando Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2025
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In the wake of their latest rift, Dwight Howard has offered to hash out his differences with Shaquille O’Neal by extending an invitation to his longtime nemesis to appear on his podcast.Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 8 Jan. 2025
Noun
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There has never been a busier time or more information available than right now, which is both a blessing and a curse.Patrick Connolly, Orlando Sentinel, 1 Jan. 2025
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The delivery app market — dominated by DoorDash, UberEats and Grubhub — seems to be a blessing and a curse for restaurant operators.Cindy Carcamo, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Heat are scheduled to play Monday at the Clippers and Wednesday at the Lakers -- both games still on as of Saturday night despite the ravaging L.A. wildfires.Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 12 Jan. 2025
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As victims of the devastating series of wildfires that ravaged multiple parts of Los Angeles navigate its aftermath, Hollywood stars are showing up for their community.Edward Segarra, USA TODAY, 12 Jan. 2025
Verb
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At the time, wolves were still considered predatory varmints to be shot from airplanes, trapped and snared for $100 bounty and whatever hides would bring.Al Wolter, Outdoor Life, 10 Jan. 2025
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Set in a swanky apartment hidden above a cobblestone street, this intimate cooking class teaches you both the simplicity and complexity of Italian pasta.Anna Haines, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Sam Edelman Michaela Mary Jane Flat These genuine leather flats have a thicker strap and a chunky gold buckle across the foot.Clint Davis, People.com, 12 Jan. 2025
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These ‘mini telescopes’ are easy to carry, usually in a pouch or a bag, with many being supplied with a wrist strap.Jamie Carter, Space.com, 9 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Mangione has also emerged as a symbol of the California wildfires and people's anger toward insurance companies, with many online hoping for vigilante justice against insurers.Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025
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Interest rates: Tax cuts may be a tall order, if the bond vigilantes have their way.Bob Pisani,Robert Hum, CNBC, 15 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Close losses have been the bane of their season so far, but games like Wednesday’s can help with stacking wins and quelling trade chatter, even if for just another day.James Jackson, The Athletic, 2 Jan. 2025
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Long and variable lead times are the bane of a manufacturing supply chain.Steve Banker, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Scourge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scourge. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.
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