AFFLICT Synonyms: 91 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'afflict' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of afflict are rack , torment , torture , and try . While all these words mean "to inflict on a person something that is hard to bear," 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

Q: Where would 'rack' be a reasonable alternative to 'afflict'?

In some situations, the words rack and afflict are roughly equivalent. However, rack stresses straining or wrenching. // a body racked by pain

Q: When might 'torment' be a better fit than 'afflict'?

While in some cases nearly identical to afflict , torment suggests persecution or the repeated inflicting of suffering or annoyance. // a horse tormented by flies

Q: In what contexts can 'torture' take the place of 'afflict'?

The synonyms torture and afflict are sometimes interchangeable, but torture adds the implication of causing unbearable pain or suffering. // tortured by a sense of guilt

Q: When can 'try' be used instead of 'afflict'?

Although the words try and afflict have much in common, try suggests imposing something that strains the powers of endurance or of self-control. // children often try their parents' patience

afflict

verb

ə-ˈflikt

Definition of afflict next

as in to plague

to cause persistent suffering to the South was afflicted by a severe drought he's been afflicted by nightmares ever since the accident

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How is the word afflict different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of afflict are rack, torment, torture, and try. While all these words mean "to inflict on a person something that is hard to bear," 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

Where would rack be a reasonable alternative to afflict?

In some situations, the words rack and afflict are roughly equivalent. However, rack stresses straining or wrenching.

a body racked by pain

When might torment be a better fit than afflict?

While in some cases nearly identical to afflict, torment suggests persecution or the repeated inflicting of suffering or annoyance.

a horse tormented by flies

In what contexts can torture take the place of afflict?

The synonyms torture and afflict are sometimes interchangeable, but torture adds the implication of causing unbearable pain or suffering.

tortured by a sense of guilt

When can try be used instead of afflict?

Although the words try and afflict have much in common, 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 afflict Overcrowded campsites are afflicted by raw sewage and pests such as rats and weasels. —

The Week Uk, TheWeek, 21 June 2026 Two-thirds of respondents afflicted with alpha-gal reported anxiety or depressive disorders in a 2025 University of Missouri survey. —

CBS News, 19 June 2026 Examples include assisting the blind, providing alerts of sounds to the deaf, assisting those afflicted by seizures, retrieving items, providing physical support, and helping those with psychiatric or neurological disabilities. —

Shari Wald Garrett, Miami Herald, 18 June 2026 Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable disease caused by a virus that primarily and most severely afflicts children. —

Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for afflict

Recent Examples of Synonyms for afflict

Verb

Andrew Harnik | Getty Images A rocky start The anniversary rollout has also been plagued by problems on the ground.

— Luke Fountain, CNBC, 3 July 2026
In the 30 years following the tune’s release, disappointment has only continued to plague the Three Lions.

— Fisher Isbell, AJC.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of plague

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affixing

afflict

afflicted

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“Afflict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/afflict. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of afflict

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