anger 1 of 2

anger

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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
Democratic senators took to the floor to voice their anger over the incident. Ted Johnson, Deadline, 12 June 2025 On Thursday evening, dozens of protesters rallying in front of Angel Stadium flashed their anger at federal immigration sweeps throughout the region and reports of activity in Anaheim. Jonathan Horwitz, Oc Register, 12 June 2025
Verb
Additionally, reports had indicated that President Xi was angered over the transaction since Hutchison did not ask for approval of the deal in advance. Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 3 June 2025 Canadians have been angered by new American tariffs on exports, and offended by Trump administration talk of making their country the 51st state. Gavin John, New York Times, 31 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for anger
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anger
Noun
  • Editors’ Picks 36 Hours in Rome Living the Slop Life Image Some online commentators have expressed indignation about the online content, saying that the banter about a Catholic leader is offensive.
    Emma Bubola, New York Times, 7 May 2025
  • As the film progresses, this wide-eyed curiosity shifts to righteous indignation, but these reactions are muddled by her feelings for Basem.
    Hannah Giorgis, The Atlantic, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Every child should be wanted for their own wonderful, infuriating, adorable self, just as every family should be supported by any government that wants to see this country flourish.
    Mary McNamara, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2025
  • The wait has been infuriating, stretching the boundaries of trust and raising serious questions about what happened to millions of dollars raised toward the ostensible goal of creating a suitable tribute.
    Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 June 2025
Noun
  • After law enforcement officials expressed outrage that a man accused in the Hickory party shooting was allowed a bond Wednesday, a judge on Thursday revoked his bond in a prior shooting case.
    Jeff A. Chamer, Charlotte Observer, 5 June 2025
  • These Alabama sites are focused on history, not the outrage of the week from the White House.
    Steve Chapman, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2025
Verb
  • The Haredim’s widespread refusal to serve, and threats to topple the government during wartime, have enraged many Israelis, especially those who have served multiple rounds of reserve duty.
    Melanie Lidman, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2025
  • Still, from February 27th to March 19th, Guild did not receive therapy because an extension of his treatments needed to be approved by the V.A. Morgan watched, enraged, as Collins defended the V.A. cuts.
    David W. Brown, New Yorker, 12 June 2025
Noun
  • Oakmont has hosted this tournament 10 times, and the glass-like greens and extremely thick rough can always turn head-scratchers into all-out fits of rage.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 15 June 2025
  • Walked with volume, spoke with volume, in joy and in rage.
    Hanif Abdurraqib June 12, Literary Hub, 12 June 2025
Verb
  • The comedy as a second-class sibling to the drama is a notion that has annoyed the people who make television comedies for years.
    Joe Reid, Vulture, 7 June 2025
  • In some cases, that will be obvious: You’ll get annoyed by weird or loud noises and odors, notice your energy bill has skyrocketed, or spot signs of a leak.
    Angela Haupt, Time, 3 June 2025
Noun
  • But their fury was too easily co-opted by the few who want to wantonly destroy and used the cover of protest to do so.
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
  • This is in spite of fury from supporters of both clubs, who have faced great uncertainty and pressure to secure tickets.
    Sam Leveridge, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
Noun
  • Does that mean the nine California Republicans, all of whom voted last month for the tax and spending bill, could face his political wrath?
    David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 5 June 2025
  • More to Read Voices Contributor: Once, international students feared Beijing’s wrath.
    Daniel Miller, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Anger.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anger. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.

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