excruciating
adjective
ex·cru·ci·at·ing
ik-ˈskrü-shē-ˌā-tiŋ 
1
: causing great pain or anguish : agonizing
the nation's most excruciating dilemma—
W. H. Ferry
W. H. Ferry2
: very intense : extreme
excruciating pain
Examples of excruciating in a Sentence
I have an excruciating headache.
an excruciating moment of embarrassment
They described their vacation in excruciating detail.
Recent Examples on the Web
Marvel Comics’s dysfunctional super-family proved that comic-book characters could be relatable, but so far, each attempt to create a Fantastic Four movie has ranged from forgettable to excruciating.
—Dale Obbie, Vulture, 23 July 2025
Despite undergoing more than 40 major surgeries and enduring excruciating treatments like wearing a metal facial brace at age 6, Resek continues to live with recurring infections, sleep apnea, and other lasting impacts of her condition.
—Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 12 July 2025
If something feels excruciating to think about, that’s probably a good sign.
—Jane Ciabattari
june 24, Literary Hub, 24 June 2025
These concerns are from town residents in reaction to a potential for a nearly 300-unit housing development on the Farmington River in Farmington, which also is known for excruciating traffic.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for excruciating
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.
Dale Obbie, Vulture, 23 July 2025
Despite undergoing more than 40 major surgeries and enduring excruciating treatments like wearing a metal facial brace at age 6, Resek continues to live with recurring infections, sleep apnea, and other lasting impacts of her condition.
—Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 12 July 2025
If something feels excruciating to think about, that’s probably a good sign.
—Jane Ciabattari
june 24, Literary Hub, 24 June 2025
These concerns are from town residents in reaction to a potential for a nearly 300-unit housing development on the Farmington River in Farmington, which also is known for excruciating traffic.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for excruciating
Cite this Entry
“Excruciating.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/excruciating. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share