distress 1 of 2

distress

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun distress differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of distress are agony, misery, and suffering. While all these words mean "the state of being in great trouble," distress implies an external and usually temporary cause of great physical or mental strain and stress.

the hurricane put everyone in great distress

When might agony be a better fit than distress?

In some situations, the words agony and distress are roughly equivalent. However, agony suggests pain too intense to be borne.

in agony over the death of their child

When is misery a more appropriate choice than distress?

While in some cases nearly identical to distress, misery stresses the unhappiness attending especially sickness, poverty, or loss.

the homeless live with misery every day

When could suffering be used to replace distress?

The synonyms suffering and distress are sometimes interchangeable, but suffering implies conscious endurance of pain or distress.

the suffering of famine victims

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 distress
Noun
Pay attention for signs of distress: panting, drooling, a high heart rate, dry nose, lethargy, or even vomiting, staggering or seizures. Kate Bradshaw, The Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2025 Pam Rogalski of Valparaiso was carrying a pole with an upside-down American flag — a sign of distress. Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 2025
Verb
Why look at something distressing so early in the year? Carl Anka, The Athletic, 19 Jan. 2025 Then in October distressed debt investors McCormick 101 and Beltway Capital of Maryland also announced an auction of the Greenbrier, to collect a remaining $20 million they were owed of a $140 million promissory note on which Justice had defaulted. Christopher Helman, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for distress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distress
Noun
  • 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
  • Then, Cara’s killshot was followed by her screams of agony at her dire circumstances.
    Hunter Ingram, Variety, 23 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Sean Hecht, managing attorney for the California regional office of Earthjustice, a nonprofit focused on litigating environmental issues, believes the state’s youngest monuments are most at risk of being rolled back, citing political reasons.
    Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2025
  • The Rise Of SaaS And IIoT Rising costs, including both supplies and labor, along with the constant risk of supply chain disruptions pressure manufacturers to improve efficiency and resilience.
    Ed Garibian, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Reports that Paramount Global is considering a financial settlement on the Trump federal lawsuit have alarmed journalists within CBS News and beyond.
    Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 19 Feb. 2025
  • But his approach to doing so has alarmed many U.S. allies, as his administration recently opened up talks with Russia and signalled openness to peace talks that could potentially embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin and sideline Ukraine.
    Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 4 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • But last year's Olympics were also a major source of anguish.
    Christopher Intagliata, NPR, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Every repeat viewing of Abraham's performance reveals some new moment of humiliation — some fresh sickening glimmer of anguish that feels all too familiar.
    EW.com, EW.com, 2 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Totally fair, given the scale of destruction in L.A. County — and the dangers posed by Trump.
    Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Simple and true, thoughtful and soulful, with just a hint of danger.
    Ellise Shafer, Variety, 27 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Ukraine and its allies are concerned Trump is pushing for a quick ceasefire that will favor Russia, which Kyiv says cannot be trusted to honor truces.
    TIME, TIME, 4 Mar. 2025
  • The warning was released on Tuesday at 5:14 a.m., and the last update concerning this incident was provided on Tuesday at 7:21 a.m. Crash report: I-35 A traffic warning has been issued after a crash on northbound I-35 between I-635/Exit 231 and 24th Street/Exit 232.
    Kansas City Star Bot, Kansas City Star, 4 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • But the Heat remains without Alec Burks (lower back pain), Josh Christopher (G League), Nikola Jovic (broken right hand) and Dru Smith (left Achilles surgery) against the Bulls.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Symptoms are akin to getting the flu: body aches, fever, abdominal pain.
    Rick Jervis, USA TODAY, 9 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Meanwhile, Budenholzer’s future with the Suns only after one season appears to be in serious jeopardy as well.
    Evan Sidery, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Only 16 at the time, Jones’ bright future in the sport was suddenly thrown into jeopardy.
    George Ramsay, CNN, 19 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Distress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distress. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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