torturous
adjective
tor·tur·ous
ˈtȯr-chə-rəs 
ˈtȯrch-
1
a
: very unpleasant or painful
a torturous day
torturous self-doubts
b
: causing torture
torturous inquisitions
2
: painfully difficult or slow
the torturous course of the negotiations
torturously
adverb
Examples of torturous in a Sentence
relatives had to make the torturous decision to disconnect the patient's life-support system
the post-infection treatment for rabies was as notoriously torturous as the disease itself
Recent Examples on the Web
The execution method, which involves strapping a respirator onto the inmate's face and replacing breathable air with pure nitrogen gas, causing death by lack of oxygen, has been criticized by opponents as inhumane and torturous.
—
Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 10 June 2026
This Stanley Cup final is twisty, torturous and absolutely exhilarating.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 10 June 2026
Panahi subsequently travelled widely to promote the drama which centers around an outpouring of strong feelings by a group of former prisoners toward a torturous guard and stems from his incarceration.
—Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 7 June 2026
While staying faithful to the gothic tone and thrust of the story, the second book in the series once again turned the narrative in on itself by front-loading the perspective of chaos personified, Louis’ tortured and torturous lover, Lestat de Lioncourt.
—Alex Zalben, IndieWire, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for torturous
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Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 10 June 2026
This Stanley Cup final is twisty, torturous and absolutely exhilarating.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 10 June 2026
Panahi subsequently travelled widely to promote the drama which centers around an outpouring of strong feelings by a group of former prisoners toward a torturous guard and stems from his incarceration.
—Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 7 June 2026
While staying faithful to the gothic tone and thrust of the story, the second book in the series once again turned the narrative in on itself by front-loading the perspective of chaos personified, Louis’ tortured and torturous lover, Lestat de Lioncourt.
—Alex Zalben, IndieWire, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for torturous
Cite this Entry
“Torturous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/torturous. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
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