as in to inflict
to cause to suffer punishment or vengeance for
wreaked their vengeance on those they considered enemies
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Recent Examples of wreak
Opponents of the strong-mayor system, though, worry that the wrong person in the mayor’s seat could wreak havoc on a city in a short amount of time.
—
Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 3 June 2026
Rolling later confessed to a triple homicide of a father, daughter and grandson in his hometown and shooting his father before wreaking havoc in Gainesville.
—Corin Cesaric, PEOPLE, 2 June 2026
Although aphids have a reputation for being harmful, sap-sucking pests that wreak havoc on the garden, these insects aren't always a bad thing.
—Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 31 May 2026
Traveling, no matter how luxurious your accommodations are, can wreak havoc on your skincare routine.
—Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for wreak
Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 3 June 2026
Rolling later confessed to a triple homicide of a father, daughter and grandson in his hometown and shooting his father before wreaking havoc in Gainesville.
—Corin Cesaric, PEOPLE, 2 June 2026
Although aphids have a reputation for being harmful, sap-sucking pests that wreak havoc on the garden, these insects aren't always a bad thing.
—Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 31 May 2026
Traveling, no matter how luxurious your accommodations are, can wreak havoc on your skincare routine.
—Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for wreak
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wreak
Verb
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Several analysts argue that an open Strait of Hormuz, even one partly controlled by Iran, would inflict less damage on the global economy than one that is closed.—
Hanna Ziady,
CNN Money,
4 June 2026
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The more likely to be comfortable inflicting pain on the other side (and on fans)?—
Dan Shanoff,
New York Times,
3 June 2026
Verb
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The House of Representatives again overrode Republican leaders to pass a bill that would authorize billions of dollars in aid to Ukraine and impose sanctions on Russia.—
Zachary Schermele,
USA Today,
5 June 2026
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The House's effort to circumvent leadership on support for Ukraine comes as bipartisan legislation in the Senate to impose new economic sanctions on Russia has languished for more than a year, with senators waiting for a green light from the White House.—
Caitlin Yilek,
CBS News,
5 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Wreak.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wreak. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
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