1
as in agony
a situation or state that causes great suffering and unhappiness
the released soldiers gave interviews trying to explain to civilians the torment that prisoners of war experience
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in distress
a state of great suffering of body or mind
was in torment for weeks after he broke up with his girlfriend
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to plague
to cause persistent suffering to
he was tormented by nightmares about the accident
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 torment
Paige Williams, The New Yorker, 25 Nov. 2024
Nicky turned to illicit painkillers to deal with the torment of her endometriosis and overdosed after taking pills laced with fentanyl.
—Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 29 Oct. 2024
Jaime Moore-Carrillo, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Jan. 2025
Confused Martin, the character played by Chamberlain, shows up to the motel planning to take May on a movie date but first must confront the couple’s growing tensions and tormented twisted and intertwined lives from their pasts.
—Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 12 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for torment
Noun
Unsecured trash exposes bears to the intestinal torments of metal and glass.
—Paige Williams, The New Yorker, 25 Nov. 2024
Nicky turned to illicit painkillers to deal with the torment of her endometriosis and overdosed after taking pills laced with fentanyl.
—Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 29 Oct. 2024
Verb
The ensuing delays and detours have tormented the highways’ daily users, prompting Tarrant County commissioner Alisa Simmons to organize a Jan. 23 town hall on the project’s progression.
—Jaime Moore-Carrillo, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Jan. 2025
Confused Martin, the character played by Chamberlain, shows up to the motel planning to take May on a movie date but first must confront the couple’s growing tensions and tormented twisted and intertwined lives from their pasts.
—Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 12 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for torment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for torment
Noun
-
Challenges of rebuilding Victims who lost homes will be faced with the decision whether to rebuild — which can be agony.—
Tony Saavedra,
Orange County Register,
24 Feb. 2025
-
Then, Cara’s killshot was followed by her screams of agony at her dire circumstances.—
Hunter Ingram,
Variety,
23 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Get ahead of a tween’s difficult feelings by recognizing the early signs of emotional distress, such as disruption in sleep and less interest in their hobbies, and reroute all-or-nothing thoughts, suggests Daniel Huy, PsyD, a clinical psychologist at Hackensack Meridian Health.—
Sherri Gordon,
Parents,
4 Mar. 2025
-
Forbes is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Mexico, Canada, and China are the first, second, and third largest trading partners of the U.S. Markets React to Tariff Disruption Equities markets indicated distress in a number of ways.—
Erik Sherman,
Forbes,
4 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The temple is famous for its towering gopurams (gateway towers), each covered in a riot of colors and adorned with intricate sculptures of deities, demons, and mythical creatures from Hindu mythology.—
Shalbha Sarda,
Architectural Digest,
4 Mar. 2025
-
Here, Hausmann-Stokes talks to Deadline about his upbringing, confronting personal demons, uncovering nuanced and engaging Veteran stories.—
Destiny Jackson,
Deadline,
28 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
As the title hints, the relationship was plagued with disagreements, and the artist soon abandoned her original idea for a collaboration with the organization.—
Fabiola Iza,
Artforum,
1 Mar. 2025
-
How to tackle money problems right now Besides taxes, inflation is plaguing Americans' money worries.—
Nicole Fallert,
USA TODAY,
28 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
The 1974 Best Picture Award Was Interrupted by an Onstage Streaker While most people have nightmares about being naked onstage in front of a massive group of people, 33-year-old Robert Opel did it voluntarily… during the most anticipated moment of Hollywood’s biggest night!—
Jordan Runtagh,
People.com,
2 Mar. 2025
-
Miller followed up a promising rookie year with a nightmare 2024, putting up an 8.52 ERA in 13 starts.—
Daniel R. Epstein,
Forbes,
1 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Kylie Jenner is opening up about the pain of losing her longtime hairstylist and close friend, Jesus Guerrero.—
Elizabeth Logan,
Glamour,
25 Feb. 2025
-
From northern to southern border, how states will feel the pain Two examples of state economies dependent on a reciprocal trade relationship are the cross-border trades involving Maine and New Mexico.—
Lori Ann LaRocco,
CNBC,
25 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
On January 1, revelers rang in the new year to tragedy when a terror attack claimed 15 lives and left 57 injured.—
Harriet Shepherd,
Vogue,
5 Mar. 2025
-
Celebrated around the world, Mardi Gras holds a special meaning for the citizens of New Orleans, especially after the terror attack on the city’s famed Bourbon Street on New Year’s Eve.—
Sam Gillette,
People.com,
4 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
After the war broke out, Lina insisted on helping shield the persecuted – Jews and Roma, among them – at great risk.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
24 Feb. 2025
-
According to court records, two plaintiffs fled Afghanistan due to fears that the Taliban might persecute them over their support for the United States.—
Peter Charalambous,
ABC News,
21 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Torment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/torment. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share