TORMENT Synonyms: 168 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of torment are afflict , rack , torture , and try . While all these words mean "to inflict on a person something that is hard to bear," torment suggests persecution or the repeated inflicting of suffering or annoyance. // a horse tormented by flies

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

While the synonyms afflict and torment are close in meaning, 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: When could 'rack' be used to replace 'torment'?

The words rack and torment are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rack stresses straining or wrenching. // a body racked by pain

Q: When is 'torture' a more appropriate choice than 'torment'?

In some situations, the words torture and torment are roughly equivalent. However, torture adds the implication of causing unbearable pain or suffering. // tortured by a sense of guilt

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

While in some cases nearly identical to torment , try suggests imposing something that strains the powers of endurance or of self-control. // children often try their parents' patience

torment 1 of 2

noun

ˈtȯr-ˌment

Definition of torment next

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

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as in distress

a state of great suffering of body or mind was in torment for weeks after he broke up with his girlfriend

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as in demon

a source of persistent emotional distress insomnia that was caused by a host of nighttime torments

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torment

2 of 2

verb

tȯr-ˈment

as in to plague

to cause persistent suffering to he was tormented by nightmares about the accident

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Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of torment are afflict, rack, torture, and try. While all these words mean "to inflict on a person something that is hard to bear," torment suggests persecution or the repeated inflicting of suffering or annoyance.

a horse tormented by flies

Where would afflict be a reasonable alternative to torment?

While the synonyms afflict and torment are close in meaning, 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

When could rack be used to replace torment?

The words rack and torment are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rack stresses straining or wrenching.

a body racked by pain

When is torture a more appropriate choice than torment?

In some situations, the words torture and torment are roughly equivalent. However, torture adds the implication of causing unbearable pain or suffering.

tortured by a sense of guilt

When might try be a better fit than torment?

While in some cases nearly identical to torment, 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 torment

Noun

More papules emerge as blisters burst, prolonging the torment. —

Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 24 Apr. 2026 So too did Trump spiritual advisor Paula White-Cain, who compared the president’s torments to those of Jesus. —

Pat Beall, Sun Sentinel, 17 Apr. 2026

Verb

Hokum gives you a taste of one tormented scribe’s fiction before introducing you to the man behind the keyboard. —

David Fear, Rolling Stone, 30 Apr. 2026 However, no ransom was ever paid, and no proof of life was ever produced, which has left Clemente to theorize that perhaps Nancy was kidnapped to torment her family. —

Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 30 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for torment

Recent Examples of Synonyms for torment

Noun

Kirby, screaming in agony, was on his knees as officers ordered him to drop a knife, according to video.

— David K. Li, NBC news, 15 May 2026
The sight of a heart-and-soul player in agony on the ice, then being helped off it — by captain Marie-Philip Poulin, Stacey’s wife — was a shock.

— Hailey Salvian, New York Times, 15 May 2026

Definition of agony

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Tories

torment

tormented

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“Torment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/torment. Accessed 22 May. 2026.

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