anger 1 of 2

Definition of angernext

anger

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun anger differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of anger are fury, indignation, ire, rage, and wrath. While all these words mean "an intense emotional state induced by displeasure," anger, the most general term, names the reaction but by itself does not convey cause or intensity.

tried to hide his anger

When could indignation be used to replace anger?

In some situations, the words indignation and anger are roughly equivalent. However, indignation stresses righteous anger at what one considers unfair, mean, or shameful.

a comment that caused general indignation

In what contexts can ire take the place of anger?

The meanings of ire and anger largely overlap; however, ire, more frequent in literary contexts, suggests an intense anger, often with an evident display of feeling.

cheeks flushed with ire

How do rage and fury relate to one another, in the sense of anger?

Both rage and fury suggest loss of self-control from violence of emotion.

shook with rage
could not contain his fury

Where would wrath be a reasonable alternative to anger?

While the synonyms wrath and anger are close in meaning, wrath is likely to suggest a desire or intent to punish or get revenge.

I feared her wrath if I was discovered

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 anger
Noun
Frustrations are sky high, and flashes of anger are already obvious. Joel Feder, The Drive, 1 July 2026 The closure has prompted anger and frustration in a community that is used to being ignored. Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
Verb
But Francis also announced restrictions on the Latin Mass in 2021, angering many traditionalists. Noah Labelle, NPR, 2 July 2026 That could have been the phrase that angered Iran, which is preparing for the funeral that begins this weekend for the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the war’s first moments in February. Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for anger
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anger
Noun
  • The video went viral, encapsulating the prevalent mood of indignation about official nonaction.
    Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
  • He was deservedly sent off after a reckless foul on Pau Cubarsi, before grabbing the referee’s arm and tossing it to the side in indignation.
    Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 28 June 2026
Verb
  • In Chicago, these questions are interesting and infuriating because the Bulls have no say in the outcome.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2026
  • The Iranians moved their training base from Arizona to Mexico, and the team has been required to leave Los Angeles right after both matches, infuriating Ghalenoei.
    ABC News, ABC News, 21 June 2026
Noun
  • Hard fouls are routinely minimized, and meaningful discipline often arrives only after public outrage forces the league's hand.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
  • But his qualms weren’t about the level of destruction in Gaza or the high civilian toll, both of which drew global outrage.
    Sam Metz, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • Despite his concessions to the SSPX, Francis enraged many Catholic traditionalists by reversing Benedict's relaxation on celebrating the old Latin Mass for the broader Catholic Church.
    ABC News, ABC News, 1 July 2026
  • The story enraged campus and district officials and played a role in Stapleton’s ousting, despite a later retraction.
    Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2026
Noun
  • He’s been known to blow up legislation, make surprise nominations, rage-post about sitting Republican lawmakers and retaliate by endorsing their primary opponents.
    Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • Maybe that's why, in a moment when the country feels eggshell brittle, riding has become such an essential outlet for me—a way to turn my rage into forward motion.
    Ashlea Halpern, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • Damian used to get annoyed with his father's motivational chats about responsibility.
    Claudia Boyd-Barrett, CBS News, 18 June 2026
  • Three hours before the parade is set to begin, paradegoers are already annoyed at the disorganization and slow-moving lines.
    Matt Nighswander, NBC news, 18 June 2026
Noun
  • Following fury from the English and Mexican Football Associations, FIFA may have to backtrack on its apparent plan to move the time of the England-Mexico game.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 3 July 2026
  • Still, if someone argued otherwise, Smith and his ilk would rage in fury.
    Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • But some have faced pushback, including when two Boise men faced the wrath of their homeowners association for replacing their grass with turf, in part to save water.
    Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 1 July 2026
  • Or, faced with the wrath of the huge Baby Boom generation — who tend to be voters and vociferous — will Congress act in time?
    Terry Savage, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Anger.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anger. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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