Synonym Chooser

How does the noun indignation differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of indignation are anger, fury, ire, rage, and wrath. While all these words mean "an intense emotional state induced by displeasure," indignation stresses righteous anger at what one considers unfair, mean, or shameful.

a comment that caused general indignation

When can anger be used instead of indignation?

The synonyms anger and indignation are sometimes interchangeable, but anger, the most general term, names the reaction but by itself does not convey cause or intensity.

tried to hide his anger

When could ire be used to replace indignation?

The words ire and indignation are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ire, more frequent in literary contexts, suggests an intense anger, often with an evident display of feeling.

cheeks flushed with ire

How are the words rage and fury related as synonyms of indignation?

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

shook with rage
could not contain his fury

When is it sensible to use wrath instead of indignation?

While the synonyms wrath and indignation 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 indignation The 25% tariffs President Trump announced on Canada and Mexico — which will likely plunge our northern neighbor into recession — have united Canadians of all political stripes in indignation. Avery Lotz, Axios, 25 Feb. 2025 Newcastle United fans will be used to the fact that they aren’t allowed to enjoy these occasions before sports journalists’ chin-stroking moral indignation takes hold. Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025 With love and loss, inspiration and indignation, For Melancholy Brunettes (& Sad Women) is a folk tale, a small-town barroom yarn, a gothic novel, and a ghost story. Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 18 Mar. 2025 Her skin is luminous, pale with indignation. Joyce Carol Oates, The New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for indignation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for indignation
Noun
  • So, Joe comes in with a lot of hostility, a lot of anger, a lot of rage for what happened.
    Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Aggression For some individuals, the turmoil following a breakup can give rise to an inexplicable burst of anger.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • My colleagues are stumped as to the real reason why, as am I. This has been a hot topic in my field, and the outpouring of outrage and kindness has been overwhelming.
    R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2025
  • My colleagues are stumped as to the real reason why, as am I. This has been a hot topic in my field and the outpouring of outrage and kindness has been overwhelming.
    R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Trump’s supporters responded to the ruling with fury, with some calling for the administration to ignore the emergency decision.
    Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Daredevil wails on them with (non-lethal!) fury, whereas Frank… well, he is called The Punisher.
    Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 15 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Columbia University was among the first colleges to face the wrath of Donald Trump, whose administration canceled $400 million of funding and arrested two student protesters.
    Dan Alexander, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
  • This isn’t the first time Khan has faced the wrath of India’s Hindu right.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 7 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The year is 2025 and ninjas are once again all the rage.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Seems like podcasts are all the rage these days, so what makes Tracy's any different?
    Jim Clash, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Recently, the mood in higher ed has shifted from introspective to panicked.
    Emma Green, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
  • And when Angela asks about how Brit lost her license—likely looking for clarity, not conflict—the mood shifts fast.
    Shelby Stewart, Essence, 14 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Indignation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indignation. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on indignation

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