as in to inflict
to cause to suffer punishment or vengeance for
wreaked their vengeance on those they considered enemies
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Recent Examples of wreak
Data have demonstrated that mental illness can wreak havoc on the brain.
—
Eric J. Nestler, STAT, 28 Apr. 2026
The songs are these one-man shows of self-reckoning (Lamar’s writing loves a mirror) and wreaking havoc.
—New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026
If there’s trust on the back end, James can move up closer to the line of scrimmage to make plays and wreak havoc.
—Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2026
For Trudeau, this week’s wildfires are yet another sign that climate change is wreaking havoc on natural ecosystems and increasing fire activity across the country, including in historically humid landscapes.
—Denise Chow, NBC news, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for wreak
Eric J. Nestler, STAT, 28 Apr. 2026
The songs are these one-man shows of self-reckoning (Lamar’s writing loves a mirror) and wreaking havoc.
—New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026
If there’s trust on the back end, James can move up closer to the line of scrimmage to make plays and wreak havoc.
—Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2026
For Trudeau, this week’s wildfires are yet another sign that climate change is wreaking havoc on natural ecosystems and increasing fire activity across the country, including in historically humid landscapes.
—Denise Chow, NBC news, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for wreak
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wreak
Verb
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Agustín, an elderly man who lived on the streets and had mental health problems, died in February from burns inflicted by an 18-year-old who was later arrested.—
Sarah Moreno
Updated April 29,
Miami Herald,
29 Apr. 2026
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Iran inflicted severe damage on at least five major UAE facilities, including a drone strike that ignited fires at Ruwais, one of the world’s largest refineries, and another at the key Port of Fujairah oil export hub.—
Shawn Tully,
Fortune,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The metaphor perfectly fits the 6-foot-5 Jordan, who casts an imposing figure on the mound.—
Patrick Z. McGavin,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Apr. 2026
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The proposal would impose a one-time tax of up to 5% on taxpayers and trusts with assets valued at more than $1 billion, with some exclusions, such as property.—
Queenie Wong,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Wreak.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wreak. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
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