MAIM Synonyms: 79 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'maim' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of maim are batter , cripple , mangle , and mutilate . While all these words mean "to injure so severely as to cause lasting damage," maim implies the loss or injury of a bodily member through violence. // maimed by a shark

Q: When would 'batter' be a good substitute for 'maim'?

The words batter and maim are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, batter implies a series of blows that bruise deeply, deform, or mutilate. // an old ship battered by fierce storms

Q: In what contexts can 'cripple' take the place of 'maim'?

The words cripple and maim can be used in similar contexts, but cripple implies the loss or serious impairment of an arm or leg. // crippled for life in an accident

Q: When is it sensible to use 'mangle' instead of 'maim'?

In some situations, the words mangle and maim are roughly equivalent. However, mangle implies a tearing or crushing that leaves deep wounds. // a soldier's leg mangled by shrapnel

Q: When can 'mutilate' be used instead of 'maim'?

Although the words mutilate and maim have much in common, mutilate implies the cutting off or removal of an essential part of a person or thing thereby impairing its completeness, beauty, or function. // a tree mutilated by inept pruning

maim

verb

ˈmām

Definition of maim next

as in to incapacitate

to cause severe or permanent injury to on-the-job accidents maim far too many workers every year

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb maim contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of maim are batter, cripple, mangle, and mutilate. While all these words mean "to injure so severely as to cause lasting damage," maim implies the loss or injury of a bodily member through violence.

maimed by a shark

When would batter be a good substitute for maim?

The words batter and maim are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, batter implies a series of blows that bruise deeply, deform, or mutilate.

an old ship battered by fierce storms

In what contexts can cripple take the place of maim?

The words cripple and maim can be used in similar contexts, but cripple implies the loss or serious impairment of an arm or leg.

crippled for life in an accident

When is it sensible to use mangle instead of maim?

In some situations, the words mangle and maim are roughly equivalent. However, mangle implies a tearing or crushing that leaves deep wounds.

a soldier's leg mangled by shrapnel

When can mutilate be used instead of maim?

Although the words mutilate and maim have much in common, mutilate implies the cutting off or removal of an essential part of a person or thing thereby impairing its completeness, beauty, or function.

a tree mutilated by inept pruning

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 maim The attacks kill dozens of people and maim thousands, most of them Hezbollah members but also including women and children. —

Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026 The LaMunyons’ location was maimed in January when a Ford F150 collided into the restaurant. —

Jenna Thompson april 16, Kansas City Star, 16 Apr. 2026 About this many children have been killed or maimed in the war, according to UNICEF. —

ABC News, 15 Apr. 2026 Miraculously, although some of his passengers may have sustained mild injuries, not a single one was maimed or killed. —

Patrick Radden Keefe, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for maim

Recent Examples of Synonyms for maim

Verb

The detonation of a nuclear weapon in low-Earth orbit would likely destroy or incapacitate thousands of satellites, disabling critical military and civilian networks providing surveillance and communication services.

— Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 13 May 2026
One shot him with a 40-millimeter round, which is designed to incapacitate people without killing them.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2026

Definition of incapacitate

Browse Nearby Words

mails

maim

maimed

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Maim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maim. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of maim

verb

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on maim

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

cordial

Popular in Grammar & Usage

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Regarding the Incorrect Use of 'Decimate'

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Popular in Wordplay

9 Financial Words With Surprising Origins

Strange Words for Body Functions

Where does 'curiosity killed the cat' come from?

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

How long is a jiffy?

Popular

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

9 Financial Words With Surprising Origins

Strange Words for Body Functions

Games & Quizzes