as in to impose
to cause someone to accept or experience something unwanted
The criminal inflicted a lifetime of distress on his unsuspecting victims.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of inflict
Tumuli across the Sardis landscape have been damaged by farming and natural erosion, while increasingly sophisticated looters have inflicted further destruction.
—
Tessa Solomon,
ARTnews.com,
26 June 2026
The whole goal was to inflict the maximum amount of financial damage on those who profit from the destruction of the natural world.
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Fiction Non Fiction,
Literary Hub,
25 June 2026
Specifically, what is happening between Israelis and Palestinians is a real tragedy — two peoples, both real, both with real claims, both having inflicted harm and suffered it.
—
Joyce Kamanitz,
Hartford Courant,
25 June 2026
In Lebanon, many Shiites have been marking Muharram after the devastation inflicted during the war between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.
—
ABC News,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for inflict
Tessa Solomon,
ARTnews.com,
26 June 2026
The whole goal was to inflict the maximum amount of financial damage on those who profit from the destruction of the natural world.
—
Fiction Non Fiction,
Literary Hub,
25 June 2026
Specifically, what is happening between Israelis and Palestinians is a real tragedy — two peoples, both real, both with real claims, both having inflicted harm and suffered it.
—
Joyce Kamanitz,
Hartford Courant,
25 June 2026
In Lebanon, many Shiites have been marking Muharram after the devastation inflicted during the war between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.
—
ABC News,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for inflict
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inflict
Verb
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Instead of doubling down on a flawed system, policymakers can make gradual changes by introducing new tax categories in the existing framework and imposing taxes that correspond to the alcoholic content of that category.
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The question is whether Congress imposes clear rules on these deals before ad hoc dealmaking hardens into a permanent industrial policy run by the executive branch alone.
Verb
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Both men argue Los Angeles should consider creating a dedicated anti-squatter task force to help law enforcement distinguish legitimate tenant disputes from cases involving criminal conduct.
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The relaxed fit keeps air circulating while the long skirt design creates an effortless silhouette.
Verb
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Extreme heat has forced several communities in the Washington area to cancel or scale back their Independence Day celebrations.
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The Kings forced 20 turnovers, leading to a 22-6 advantage in points off turnovers.
Verb
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Camp Meeker Cabin stands as a thoughtful retreat that brings mountain living back to its essentials.
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The ceremony, which brought both families together, was officiated by family friend Adam Sandler.
Cite this Entry
“Inflict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inflict. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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