1
as in distress
a state of great suffering of body or mind
as a new teacher, she was in real anguish over the decision to report the cheating
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2
as in sorrow
deep sadness especially for the loss of someone or something loved
words can't express my anguish at losing my cat
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1
as in to plague
to cause persistent suffering to
she was anguished by the fear that her sons would die in the war
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2
as in to grieve
to feel deep sadness or mental pain
I anguished over the loss of my father for years afterwards
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Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of anguish
Ross Rosenfeld, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025
Her figure shows her on her knees, doubled over at the waist in anguish.
—Faith Karimi, CNN, 23 Feb. 2025
Paul Rogers, The Mercury News, 5 Nov. 2024
So we’re anguished to see the GOP, the only viable alternative party to the Democratic Party, make this its final pitch.
—The Editorial Board, Orange County Register, 29 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for anguish
Noun
The remains of Shiri Bibas and her two sons, Kfir and Ariel, were handed over as part of a ceasefire deal earlier this month, but an initial misidentification led to further anguish when one of the bodies returned was found to belong to someone else.
—Ross Rosenfeld, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025
Her figure shows her on her knees, doubled over at the waist in anguish.
—Faith Karimi, CNN, 23 Feb. 2025
Verb
Trump has won voters who once voted for FDR, and Democrats will anguish over how to get them back without alienating the other parts of their coalition, including women, young people and people of color.
—Paul Rogers, The Mercury News, 5 Nov. 2024
So we’re anguished to see the GOP, the only viable alternative party to the Democratic Party, make this its final pitch.
—The Editorial Board, Orange County Register, 29 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for anguish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anguish
Noun
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Get ahead of a tween’s difficult feelings by recognizing the early signs of emotional distress, such as disruption in sleep and less interest in their hobbies, and reroute all-or-nothing thoughts, suggests Daniel Huy, PsyD, a clinical psychologist at Hackensack Meridian Health.—
Sherri Gordon,
Parents,
4 Mar. 2025
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Forbes is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Mexico, Canada, and China are the first, second, and third largest trading partners of the U.S. Markets React to Tariff Disruption Equities markets indicated distress in a number of ways.—
Erik Sherman,
Forbes,
4 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Now his parents have photos of Sammy on the North Carolina campus during a visit, a condolence letter from the university and deep sorrow for a life cut short.—
Michael Cuglietta,
Orlando Sentinel,
6 Mar. 2025
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But Magnani elevates Serafina into a lightning storm of rage, sorrow, and vengeance.—
EW Staff,
EW.com,
2 Mar. 2025
Verb
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As the title hints, the relationship was plagued with disagreements, and the artist soon abandoned her original idea for a collaboration with the organization.—
Fabiola Iza,
Artforum,
1 Mar. 2025
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How to tackle money problems right now Besides taxes, inflation is plaguing Americans' money worries.—
Nicole Fallert,
USA TODAY,
28 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The school district is offering resources to the grieving students at Washington Middle School, who are in grades 6 though 8, Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Brent Jones said.—
Emily Shapiro,
ABC News,
7 Mar. 2025
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What’s the right way to grieve when the act won’t forgive a crime?—
Robert Abele,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Challenges of rebuilding Victims who lost homes will be faced with the decision whether to rebuild — which can be agony.—
Tony Saavedra,
Orange County Register,
24 Feb. 2025
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Then, Cara’s killshot was followed by her screams of agony at her dire circumstances.—
Hunter Ingram,
Variety,
23 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Hancock opened up about his struggle with depression, anxiety, grief and PTSD following the September 2024 shooting, which also left nine people injured.—
Devyn Byers,
CNN,
3 Mar. 2025
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The accident claimed her life, leaving family, friends, and fans in profound grief.—
Shelby Stewart,
Essence,
1 Mar. 2025
Verb
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After the war broke out, Lina insisted on helping shield the persecuted – Jews and Roma, among them – at great risk.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
24 Feb. 2025
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According to court records, two plaintiffs fled Afghanistan due to fears that the Taliban might persecute them over their support for the United States.—
Peter Charalambous,
ABC News,
21 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Last month, that aching search came to an end when Aziz was found safe about 1,400 miles away in Douglas County, Colorado.—
Marlene Lenthang,
NBC News,
6 Mar. 2025
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Her ordeal is very real — her jaw hurts from those mysterious dental procedures, and her hand aches from writing thank you cards to fictional friends and family — but Mark’s experience only exists in his memories.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
28 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Anguish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anguish. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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