TORTURE Synonyms: 177 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of torture are afflict , rack , torment , and try . While all these words mean "to inflict on a person something that is hard to bear," torture adds the implication of causing unbearable pain or suffering. // tortured by a sense of guilt

Q: When is it sensible to use 'afflict' instead of 'torture'?

While the synonyms afflict and torture 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 would 'rack' be a good substitute for 'torture'?

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

Q: In what contexts can 'torment' take the place of 'torture'?

The synonyms torment and torture are sometimes interchangeable, but torment suggests persecution or the repeated inflicting of suffering or annoyance. // a horse tormented by flies

Q: Where would 'try' be a reasonable alternative to 'torture'?

The meanings of try and torture largely overlap; however, try suggests imposing something that strains the powers of endurance or of self-control. // children often try their parents' patience

torture 1 of 2

noun

ˈtȯr-chər

Definition of torture next

as in nightmare

a situation or state that causes great suffering and unhappiness it's torture for me to see you so unhappy

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in agony

a state of great suffering of body or mind spent an afternoon in torture waiting to hear whether her brother had made it home safely

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

torture

2 of 2

verb

as in to plague

to cause persistent suffering to the neighbor's dog constantly tortures our cat, barking at him and chasing him down the street

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to distort

to twist (something) out of a natural or normal shape or condition tortured her naturally straight hair into curls

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of torture are afflict, rack, torment, and try. While all these words mean "to inflict on a person something that is hard to bear," torture adds the implication of causing unbearable pain or suffering.

tortured by a sense of guilt

When is it sensible to use afflict instead of torture?

While the synonyms afflict and torture 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 would rack be a good substitute for torture?

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

a body racked by pain

In what contexts can torment take the place of torture?

The synonyms torment and torture are sometimes interchangeable, but torment suggests persecution or the repeated inflicting of suffering or annoyance.

a horse tormented by flies

Where would try be a reasonable alternative to torture?

The meanings of try and torture largely overlap; however, try suggests imposing something that strains the powers of endurance or of self-control.

children often try their parents' patience

Examples 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 torture

Noun

Prison scares me, the thought of torture makes my heart race. —

David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024 Perhaps only half-jokingly, Zimmer described the key instrument that inspired his musical take on psychological torture. —

Scott Huver, Deadline, 2 Nov. 2024

Verb

After the Islamic revolution ended the Shah’s reign and ushered in the theocracy of Ayatollah Khomeini, Roya’s Baba was in and out of Evin Prison, the infamous jail where political prisoners were incarcerated, tortured, killed. —

Lisa Kennedy, The Denver Post, 24 Oct. 2024 They are beaten, they are tortured, they are raped, they are shot, hanged, and starved. —

David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for torture

Recent Examples of Synonyms for torture

Noun

And to be in this iconic closet is a nightmare come true.

Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 3 Nov. 2024
Mold habits die hard Your nightmare blunt rotation (Logan Paul, Mr. Beast, and KSI) now make food for children, and to no one’s surprise: There’s mold in it.

Kate Lindsay, Vulture, 1 Nov. 2024