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
The next day, Miner propositioned McDonald, who reacted in anger, said Sanders’ motion. Tony Saavedra, Oc Register, 17 Sep. 2025 The choice Task makes to soften Ruffalo’s natural affability and presence in favor of Pelphrey’s Robbie—who transmits anger and despair with palpable, desperate energy—is a fascinating one, requiring humility from one actor and intense commitment from the other. Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 17 Sep. 2025
Verb
The comment angered Pistons fans and the Motor City in general. Julie Hinds, Freep.com, 18 Sep. 2025 Kirk assassination angers and unsettles leaders, residents The assassination of Kirk, which happened in front of hundreds of people and was captured on video and widely circulated on social media, has in particular rattled the nation and drawn condemnation from across the political spectrum. Mark Vancleave, Twin Cities, 13 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for anger
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anger
Noun
  • Like an amulet, or a bible, the immense and somehow lingering grief and rage flowing through it is with me everywhere.
    Sara Stridsberg September 15, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2025
  • The young man’s beauty, musical talents, and athletic prowess, however, belie volatile currents of desire and rage, which will eventually scandalize the community and unsettle Priscilla and Diamond’s faiths.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Slightly ironic for a man who in his time as the team’s GM this century has infuriated all parts of Cowboys nation.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Sep. 2025
  • The scale of the destruction shocked and infuriated Cutright, according to a different source familiar with the incident who did not want to be identified because he was not authorized to speak publicly about the matter.
    Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Fenerbahce reserve their primary fury for Galatasaray, but the feeling is pretty mutual.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
  • South Korea’s top diplomat then rushed to Washington to negotiate their release, while public fury swelled back home over what many see as a slap in the face from their longtime ally.
    Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • That suggestion enraged Democrats.
    Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 17 Sep. 2025
  • The prosecutor, Deputy District Attorney Kate Jewett, argued that Gladney was the one who was enraged, and that the homicide was committed with an unregistered AR-15 likely manufactured by Gladney himself.
    Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The racially motivated attack, carried out by members of the Ku Klux Klan, intensified national outrage and was a catalyst for major civil rights advancements.
    Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • The company also cut coverage in many vulnerable parts of the state, sparking outrage when homeowners who had just faced a nonrenewal were then hit by the January wildfires around Los Angeles County.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Don't push sales and annoy people.
    Nitin Gupta, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Comments about my fast walk annoy me.
    Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • And rather than indignation or rage or fury, what comes through in the letters is his sheer amazement at being in this predicament.
    Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 10 Sep. 2025
  • But reacting with indignation has not been an option for Lee.
    Karina Tsui, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • One of Lecornu's first moves has been to abandon plans to eliminate two public holidays, ING noted, as the new PM tries to dispel some of the political wrath targeted at his predecessor's proposal — just one part of Bayrou's unpopular cost-cutting plans.
    Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2025
  • His client, wary of attracting anarchist wrath, told him to revise the plan.
    D. T. Max, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Anger.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anger. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.

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