AFFLICTION Synonyms: 234 Similar and Opposite Words

affliction

noun

ə-ˈflik-shən

Definition of affliction

as in distress

a state of great suffering of body or mind she listened with deep affliction as her daughter told her about the latest trouble she was in

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in sorrow

deep sadness especially for the loss of someone or something loved felt such great affliction over the destruction of the beautiful old home

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as in curse

a source of harm or misfortune alcohol has been his affliction ever since he took his first drink at the age of 12

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in demon

a source of persistent emotional distress suffered from afflictions that only a professional therapist could deal with

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as in injury

something that causes loss or pain cronyism and corruption are afflictions on the body politic

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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 affliction But the payoff, Zehnder argues, could be potential cures for our afflictions drawn from the great tree of life. — Ari Daniel, NPR, 13 July 2026 People commonly used tobacco to treat many ailments, including indigestion, respiratory problems, pain and loathsome mouth afflictions. — Katherine Ott, The Conversation, 2 July 2026 That combination — some sonic nostalgia mixed with an affliction for lyrical pop — helped make the track the biggest British single of 2024. — ABC News, 18 June 2026 Nilsson admits to suffering from horror vacui—a fear of empty space, which in her case reads less like a neurotic affliction than like compulsive conviviality. — Jeremy Lybarger, Artforum, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for affliction

Recent Examples of Synonyms for affliction

Noun

Its movements and squeaks change in response to the person interacting with it, giving caregivers another way to reduce distress and encourage engagement.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
He was found kneeling in front of a piano and striking the keys, in apparent distress.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of distress

Noun

The day ended in that same quad with feelings of sorrow, grief, shock and confusion.

— PJ Green August 30, Kansas City Star, 30 Aug. 2026
Going back to the Mets example, perhaps in an uber-technical sense a Mets’ loss could have marginal economic impact as some fans guzzle more beer to drown away their sorrows.

— Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of sorrow

Noun

That was a full-length movie filmed in 2004 when the Red Sox were breaking their storied curse, and included Johnny Damon and other players in cameos.

— Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
The prince, Ashitaka, encounters a forest-dwelling young woman called San on his journey and the two become friends, teaming up to help save the forest and end his curse.

— Kara Nesvig, Parents, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of curse

Noun

And Elwood was battling his own demons, having become addicted to opioids prescribed after a hip operation.

— Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026
As told in the Devi Mahatmya, the gods are beset by the demon (asura) Mahishasura, who received a boon that he cannot be killed by a man—but he can be killed by a woman.

— Charles Preston, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of demon

Noun

CoQ10 may indirectly improve athletic performance by reducing fatigue, pain, swelling, and muscle injury caused by strenuous exercise.

— Megan Nunn, Verywell Health, 26 Aug. 2026
At the same time, writing the final chapter of recovery only 10 days after an injury is far too early.

— Daryl Austin, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of injury

Noun

Bugs Bunny jams himself against the edge and grits his teeth in agony.

— Laura Preston, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026
The striking bronze sculpture depicts an outstretched arm reaching to the sky as hundreds of small human figures cling to it and each other with expressions of agony.

— Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of agony

Noun

For Alex’s family, those seven months have done little to dull the anguish over what happened to him — or their determination to see the two officers who fired the shots held responsible.

— Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026
Some say there is a fine line between anguish or sadness — and laughter.

— Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of anguish

Noun

The Governors no longer are grouped with Class 5A sectional nemesis Merrillville, which has ended each of their past three seasons.

— Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
There’s the running bit in Bait about Shah getting confused with Dev Patel, and Himesh Patel even appears as Shah’s nemesis also vying for James Bond.

— Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of nemesis

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afflicting

affliction

afflictions

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Style

“Affliction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affliction. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of affliction

noun

Example Sentences

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