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
Recorded in a two-week burst not long before his 30th birthday, Cold Visions spiraled between euphoria and Promethean torment, pushing past nihilism and onwards to ego death. Meaghan Garvey, Pitchfork, 25 Feb. 2025 People came to see the militias, and by extensions the Americans, as a source of torment, not salvation. Azam Ahmed, New York Times, 24 Dec. 2024
Verb
This included her head (too big), her face (too long) and the two worst features of all, in her estimation: her dark and abundant facial and body hair, and her un-button-like nose, whose size and shape tormented her. Rhonda Garelick, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2025 The Eagles won the game behind outstanding performances from quarterback Jalen Hurts and the defense, which was able to torment Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and shut down the offense almost completely. Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 11 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for torment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for torment
Noun
  • Just consider the agony of merging two or more sprawling thickets of technology.
    Forbes, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
  • The death of this beautiful 12 year old girl and the agony of her mother and family touched our entire nation greatly.
    NPR, NPR, 5 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • While local authorities have since said the incident spawned from a physical altercation between two attendees, and that firearms were not involved, the resulting melee left at least 10 people with non-life-threatening injuries and numerous claiming emotion distress.
    Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Garcia’s damages included physical pain, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, humiliation, inconvenience, grief, disfigurement, physical impairment, anxiety and emotional distress, according to a recording of the verdict from Courtroom View Network.
    Ramishah Maruf, CNN, 14 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • But what looks like a generic action series takes an immediate and delightful turn to the paranormal: Hub dies and is brought back by the devil himself, who enlists him as a bounty hunter to bring demons back to hell.
    Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Together, the two men battle the forces of evil, each other and their own personal demons on the path to salvation.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 12 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • McCaffery has a contract through the 2028 season, but with his program plagued by stagnant on-court performance and collapsing ticket sales, athletic director Beth Goetz could make a change.
    Scott Dochterman, The Athletic, 14 Mar. 2025
  • As stresses plagued the industry, state and federal policymakers have pivoted toward the use of hydrogen for buses and large trucks, and away from automobiles, leaving the owners of hydrogen cars with a dwindling number of suppliers for their fuel.
    Sharon Bernstein, Sacramento Bee, 13 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • For Prince’s team, the damning press was a waking nightmare.
    Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 15 Mar. 2025
  • As a quiet panic becomes obvious in Ryan’s eyes, the happy return begins to feel like a nightmare.
    Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 12 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Her pain and rage, her desire to be coddled and loved all announced itself with a furious punk purity.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 22 Mar. 2025
  • But having said that, having done it twice now, there is more of a sense of understanding procedurally what works and how to streamline it, so our goal is never to draw out people's pain for three years.
    Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 21 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Gadot has also become a controversial figure due to her public support of Israel, frequently speaking out in support of her native country since the Oct. 7 terror attack by Hamas.
    Kirsten Chuba, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Hamas is also holding the bodies of several other soldiers, most of whom were killed during the October 7 terror attack.
    Ivana Kottasová, CNN, 15 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • At least two of them fled Venezuela in part because Tren de Aragua was persecuting them, according to the lawsuit.
    Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Yoon’s conservative supporters have latched on to his arguments as well as his unsubstantiated claims of election fraud, strongly echoing the dynamic between President Donald Trump and supporters who say he has been wrongly persecuted by a corrupt judicial system.
    Beomsu Jo, NBC News, 8 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Torment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/torment. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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