1
as in whip
a long thin or flexible tool for striking
the museum display included a scourge, thumbscrews, and other notorious instruments of torture
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in nemesis
one who inflicts punishment in return for an injury or offense
the attorney general, who just happens to be a candidate for governor, is a self-proclaimed scourge of organized crime
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in curse
a source of harm or misfortune
the sheer ubiquity of food is proving to be the scourge of humanity, as evidenced by the obesity epidemic
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to ravage
to bring destruction to (something) through violent action
barbarians scourged the countryside, leaving village after village burned to the ground
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to whip
to strike repeatedly with something long and thin or flexible
scourge the tree with a whip to loosen the bark
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 scourge
Daniel Depetris, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2025
The unlikely duo trekked through danger to figure out if Ellie’s seeming immunity could cure the world of a zombie-like scourge.
—Dana Rose Falcone, People.com, 29 Jan. 2025
Sébastien Roblin, Popular Mechanics, 9 Mar. 2023
Of all the fearful diseases that scourge the human race, this ranks among those that are justly feared most.
—Mark Fischetti, Scientific American, 2 Nov. 2021
See All Example Sentences for scourge
Noun
The most dramatic case study occurred this week, when Trump signed two executive orders instituting a tariff regime on goods entering the United States from Canada and Mexico in response to what the White House argues is an uncontrollable scourge of migrants and drugs coming from those countries.
—Daniel Depetris, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2025
The unlikely duo trekked through danger to figure out if Ellie’s seeming immunity could cure the world of a zombie-like scourge.
—Dana Rose Falcone, People.com, 29 Jan. 2025
Verb
Like its American rival, the Tiger was initially intended to scourge Soviet tank battalions, but was refashioned for multi-role capabilities.
—Sébastien Roblin, Popular Mechanics, 9 Mar. 2023
Of all the fearful diseases that scourge the human race, this ranks among those that are justly feared most.
—Mark Fischetti, Scientific American, 2 Nov. 2021
See All Example Sentences for scourge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scourge
Noun
-
Cosponsors include Republican Guy Reschenthaler, the chief deputy whip, and Democrats Terri Sewell and Chris Deluzio.—
Daniel Moore,
Axios,
5 Mar. 2025
-
Restrict summer pruning to removal of sucker shoots (young whips growing from the base of the tree), water sprouts (rapidly growing shoots growing within the canopy), and vertical branches (those growing upright).—
Luke Miller,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The most powerful country in the world, which was — for good reason — Putin’s biggest nemesis until only two months ago, is now rolling out the red carpet for him, parroting his talking points, chastising and weakening his adversaries, and blaming his victims for his offenses.—
Elizabeth Shackelford,
Orlando Sentinel,
27 Feb. 2025
-
In 2023, Barrow thought to bring together Dylan and MGK while taking a swipe at his eternal nemesis the Weeknd.—
Matthew Strauss,
Pitchfork,
27 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
As the phenomena intensify, Skye realizes she may have been marked by the same curse that claimed so many lives before her.—
Travis Bean,
Forbes,
8 Mar. 2025
-
Episode 5 - Le Curse of Leclerc: Charles Leclerc breaks the Monaco curse in this episode by winning the Grand Prix and explaining the emotional importance of the feat.—
Tommy Tuberville,
Newsweek,
7 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Philadelphia Eagles: The Super Bowl champions will likely be ravaged by free agency, losing a number of their key players such as defensive lineman Josh Sweat, linebacker Zack Baun and defensive lineman Milton Williams, who will likely cash in on last season’s success.—
Omar Kelly,
Miami Herald,
1 Mar. 2025
-
How Helene devastated western North Carolina and left communities in ruins The storm ravaged the terrain alongside I-40, eroding 3 million cubic yards of earth and rock from the mountainside, leaving behind a scarred landscape and a daunting reconstruction challenge.—
Artemis Moshtaghian,
CNN,
1 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Imani Randolph, a model and creator, recalls her mom’s upbringing in the Bronx where effort wasn’t hidden, it was celebrated.—
Daisy Maldonado,
Vogue,
26 Feb. 2025
-
The good news is that new data solutions are emerging to help businesses finally unlock the potential hidden within their data.—
Lalit Patil,
Forbes,
26 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
In addition to the mesh bracelet, the second variation is offered on a sporty rubber strap.—
Cait Bazemore,
Robb Report,
28 Feb. 2025
-
Its headboard features a removable cushion in your choice of top-quality fabric; each comes finished with handsome leather straps and stitched embellishments for a singular, rustic feel.—
Shoko Wanger,
Architectural Digest,
28 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
But with 3 out of 10 people leaving the police force and a traumatic event in the first episode, Murdock will have to consider putting the mask back on in a city where Fisk is wrongly criminalizing superhero vigilantes.—
Arturo Conde,
NBC News,
5 Mar. 2025
-
Bond vigilantes are likely to keep President Trump on his toes.—
Sergei Klebnikov,
Forbes,
1 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Below that class of contenders, though, the Heat have had an opportunity to resemble the likes of the Pacers, Milwaukee Bucks (29-24), Detroit Pistons (29-26) and Orlando Magic (27-29), but a pattern of close losses has been the bane of Miami’s existence.—
James Jackson,
The Athletic,
21 Feb. 2025
-
Radio-frequency jamming is the bane of drones and reportedly prevents a large proportion of FPVs from reaching their targets.—
David Hambling,
Forbes,
21 Feb. 2025
Articles Related to scourge
Cite this Entry
“Scourge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scourge. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share