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
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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
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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of scourge
Zak Doffman, Forbes, 4 Jan. 2025
In his second term, Trump has the opportunity to cement his legacy as the leader who ended the scourge of Syria’s chemical weapons.
—Gregory D. Koblentz, Foreign Affairs, 19 Dec. 2024
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
Google is finally cracking down on the scourge of malicious apps that plague its ecosystem, and the impact should be severe.
—Zak Doffman, Forbes, 4 Jan. 2025
In his second term, Trump has the opportunity to cement his legacy as the leader who ended the scourge of Syria’s chemical weapons.
—Gregory D. Koblentz, Foreign Affairs, 19 Dec. 2024
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
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Ferguson was also chief deputy whip for House Republicans from 2019-23.—
Taylor Giorno,
The Hill,
9 Jan. 2025
-
But numerous House Democrats said Tuesday that activity appeared to be fairly limited and fell short of a true whip operation.—
Andrew Solender,
Axios,
18 Dec. 2024
Noun
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There were the many members of Mr. Trump’s dynastic clan; the billionaire characters who populate his colorful entourage; foreign leaders; ex-presidents; and political nemeses who Mr. Trump had vanquished.—
Shawn McCreesh,
New York Times,
21 Jan. 2025
-
Per Jackson, Butler was specifically irked by the big 2023 off-season swings taken by two major Eastern Conference nemeses in particular.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
19 Jan. 2025
Noun
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And anyone who believed in curses was gaining some evidence.—
Sam McDowell,
Kansas City Star,
19 Jan. 2025
-
Cubs fan sabotages his own team and extends the most infamous curse in MLB history During Game 6 of the 2003 National League Division vs. the then-Florida Marlins, Chicago Cubs fan Steve Bartman reached out and grabbed a ball that could have been caught.—
Jackson Thompson,
Fox News,
17 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
As wildfires continue to ravage Southern California, the disaster will no doubt take center stage at the event.—
Anna Kaufman,
USA TODAY,
25 Jan. 2025
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And Donald Trump's Exchange On Tarmac By Anna Commander Deputy News Editor 59 President Donald Trump was greeted by California Governor Gavin Newsom on Friday as Trump prepares to tour areas of the state recently ravaged by wildfires.—
Gordon G. Chang,
Newsweek,
25 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Asked about his identity and to provide authorization, Deng tried to hide his equipment and flee, prompting the officials to take him and his companions into custody.—
Kristen Waggoner,
Newsweek,
22 Jan. 2025
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When Hamas chose to go to ground inside Gaza and hide among its people, Israel followed it down, leveling the territory and its population to get at its enemy.—
Gideon Rose,
Foreign Affairs,
21 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The company identified a potential problem with the 12-volt batteries, where internal weld and cast-on strap failures could occur.—
Quartz Intelligence Newsroom,
Quartz,
23 Jan. 2025
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This genius bag features five points of security, from slash-proof straps to lockable pockets, and the exterior is even made with RFID-blocking fabric that keeps your cards and other sensitive information safely stored away.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
23 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Mangione has also emerged as a symbol of the California wildfires and people's anger toward insurance companies, with many online hoping for vigilante justice against insurers.—
Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell,
Newsweek,
16 Jan. 2025
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Interest rates: Tax cuts may be a tall order, if the bond vigilantes have their way.—
Bob Pisani,Robert Hum,
CNBC,
15 Jan. 2025
Noun
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This thing has become the bane of my existence ... GREWAL takes it and places it on her mobile desktop.—
Ayad Akhtar,
The Atlantic,
4 Dec. 2024
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The work has become the bane of residents' existence.—
Steph Solis,
Axios,
31 Oct. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Scourge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scourge. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.
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