1
as in painful
hard to accept or bear especially emotionally
agonizing cries rose up from the dungeon
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in wrenching
intensely or unbearably painful
died an agonizing death
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in suffering
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in indecision
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in plaguing
to cause persistent suffering to
got into more trouble, further agonizing her poor mother
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in grieving
to feel deep sadness or mental pain
agonized for days over whether she'd done the right thing
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of agonizing
Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 1 May 2025
Goldberg initially balked at the agonizing Hot Topics discussion.
—EW.com, 30 Apr. 2025
But by the end of Episode 7, viewers may very well be repeating the debate about Ellie, whose ultimate fate makes for an agonizing cliffhanger that won’t be resolved until Season 3 premieres (at least).
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 25 May 2025
The Cabinet confirmation hearings have been agonizing for congressional Democrats, who have watched in horror as Donald Trump has pushed through one outlandish candidate after another.
—Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for agonizing
Adjective
In poet and critic John Tottenham’s debut novel, the narrator, a curmudgeonly and snobbish former journalist who can’t stop getting negative Yelp reviews, has years of notes that ultimately amount to an agonizing nothing.
—Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 1 May 2025
Goldberg initially balked at the agonizing Hot Topics discussion.
—EW.com, 30 Apr. 2025
But by the end of Episode 7, viewers may very well be repeating the debate about Ellie, whose ultimate fate makes for an agonizing cliffhanger that won’t be resolved until Season 3 premieres (at least).
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 25 May 2025
The Cabinet confirmation hearings have been agonizing for congressional Democrats, who have watched in horror as Donald Trump has pushed through one outlandish candidate after another.
—Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for agonizing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for agonizing
Adjective
-
For millions of Americans, the road to an Alzheimer’s diagnosis is slow and painful, sought only when symptoms become unmistakable.—
Louise Jacobsen Fisher,
The Orlando Sentinel,
4 June 2025
-
And sometimes, that transformation, though painful, can deepen our capacity for compassion, connection, and appreciation for the precious gift of life itself.—
Charell G. Coleman,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
Noun
-
Stories about the Son of God are often Passion Plays about his trial, suffering, crucifixion, and resurrection, but The Chosen distinguishes itself by focusing on the life of Jesus, as seen through the eyes of those around him.—
Randall Colburn,
EW.com,
14 June 2025
-
Stanko reportedly was considering dying by firing squad, but chose lethal injection after concerns that volunteers had missed the heart of a prisoner during a previous execution by firing squad, potentially prolonging his suffering, per the AP.—
Toria Sheffield,
People.com,
14 June 2025
Noun
-
Emergencies can happen at any time — and knowing how to overcome feelings of panic, stress and indecision can be a matter of life or death.—
Andee Tagle,
NPR,
4 June 2025
-
On the other hand, a leader who reacts with visible distress or indecision can unintentionally escalate collective anxiety.—
Irma Becerra,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2025
Verb
-
Bereavement hallucinations—intensely vivid encounters with the deceased—are reported by as many as half of all grieving people.—
Adam Gopnik,
The New Yorker,
24 Mar. 2025
-
The Catalan feature tells the stories of Anabel and her mother, Delia, who are grieving for Julián, Anabel’s father.—
Jamie Lang,
Variety,
22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Kilar’s bold moves and harsh comeuppance beg the question: In an age of uncertainty, should Hollywood look to innovative but potentially disruptive outsiders or elevate from within?—
Peter Kiefer,
HollywoodReporter,
4 June 2025
-
Instead of internalising every harsh comment, try reframing it as information about their inner world rather than a reflection of your worth.—
Benjamin Laker,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
Adjective
-
Included in that torturous run was a 24-game losing streak.—
Patrick Saunders,
Denver Post,
1 June 2025
-
Jenkins wants to retire to focus on her health, leaving a legacy of having led her community through a torturous time.—
Curtis Bunn,
NBC news,
25 May 2025
Noun
-
Most purchases aren’t made through a purely logical process but are influenced by how customers feel in the moment—whether a price excites them, creates hesitation or triggers an impulse buy.—
Anton Timashev,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2025
-
The memory of what happened the last time around might be contributing to the hesitation.—
Spencer Kornhaber,
The Atlantic,
13 June 2025
Verb
-
Wiz could be a turning point for an uncertain IPO market and a mergers and acquisitions environment aching from a slowdown in deal activity.—
Samantha Subin,
CNBC,
24 Mar. 2025
-
In fact, this iteration is a lighter and more cushioned version, with a level of support and shock absorption that ensures your feet are not aching after a day of sightseeing.—
Kristin Braswell,
Travel + Leisure,
20 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Agonizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/agonizing. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
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