suffering 1 of 3

Definition of sufferingnext

suffering

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noun

suffering

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verb

present participle of suffer
1
as in experiencing
to come to a knowledge of (something) by living through it willingly suffered hardships so that their children would have a better life

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun suffering differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of suffering are agony, distress, and misery. While all these words mean "the state of being in great trouble," suffering implies conscious endurance of pain or distress.

the suffering of famine victims

When can agony be used instead of suffering?

While in some cases nearly identical to suffering, agony suggests pain too intense to be borne.

in agony over the death of their child

When might distress be a better fit than suffering?

While the synonyms distress and suffering are close in meaning, distress implies an external and usually temporary cause of great physical or mental strain and stress.

the hurricane put everyone in great distress

When could misery be used to replace suffering?

The synonyms misery and suffering are sometimes interchangeable, but misery stresses the unhappiness attending especially sickness, poverty, or loss.

the homeless live with misery every day

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 suffering
Noun
Specialized carbon boots and ultra-light skis with mode-switching technology help competitors excel in this grueling discipline that attracts those who seek physical suffering. Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2026 But her previous suffering taught her to handle the disappointment. Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
Verb
Microsoft has plunged 17% since the start of 2026, suffering in the broader pullback away from technology stocks as fears of artificial intelligence disruption have intensified. Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 13 Feb. 2026 But court documents indicate the company was already suffering cash flow problems. Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 12 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for suffering
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suffering
Noun
  • Office conversions to residential, especially in New York City, are also helping mitigate some of the distress.
    Diana Olick, CNBC, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Only four districts face significant fiscal distress — a decline from prior years.
    John Manly, Mercury News, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Flick was wary of the youngster experiencing a setback, given recent cases involving other young players and preferred to bring him back gradually.
    Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Walker, who had been detained at the jail several times before, was experiencing a mental health crisis and tried to flush his clothes down the toilet, prompting staff to confiscate his clothing, according the lawsuit.
    N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 8 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • While protesters may be frightened and grieving after last month's bloodbath, they're not mollified.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Feb. 2026
  • The 35-year-old realtor, who wrote and self-published a children's book on grieving following her husband's death, was arrested in 2023 following a lengthy investigation.
    Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Easing zoning and permitting rules Many housing experts point to local zoning and red tape as the root of the slowdown in homebuilding — something that is difficult for the federal government to address, since each local government makes its own rules.
    Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 8 Feb. 2026
  • Email your senators and representative, or call them at 202-224-3121, to encourage them to support sensible permitting reform for clean and cheap renewable energy.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 8 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The team's offseason included a major overhaul, trading away Geno Smith, signing Sam Darnold and even letting DK Metcalf go to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
    Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 7 Feb. 2026
  • The minimalist hearts keep it playful while letting the vibrant colors take center stage.
    Rebecca Norris, InStyle, 7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Potatoes naturally contain glycoalkaloids, but sprouting and green coloring indicate an increase in these compounds and a higher risk of toxic effects like vomiting and stomach upset.
    Aly Walansky, Southern Living, 7 Feb. 2026
  • Anything that promises to ease an upset stomach will galvanize the internet into trying it immediately.
    Audrey Noble, Vogue, 7 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Buckley navigates the film in elemental sorrow without sentimentality, delivering what many consider the performance of the year, and undoubtedly her career so far.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Now, their families are turning sorrow into service.
    Ashley Paul, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Boxer Imane Khelif admitted to having the SRY gene, located on the Y chromosome, which is found in biological males, and undergoing hormone treatments to lower testosterone levels ahead of the 2024 Olympics in an interview with the French sports publication L'Equipe.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 6 Feb. 2026
  • The driver was undergoing a medical evaluation and cooperating with investigators.
    David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 6 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Suffering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suffering. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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