wrath

Definition of wrathnext
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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun wrath differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of wrath are anger, fury, indignation, ire, and rage. While all these words mean "an intense emotional state induced by displeasure," wrath is likely to suggest a desire or intent to punish or get revenge.

I feared her wrath if I was discovered

When can anger be used instead of wrath?

The words anger and wrath are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, anger, the most general term, names the reaction but by itself does not convey cause or intensity.

tried to hide his anger

When would indignation be a good substitute for wrath?

The synonyms indignation and wrath are sometimes interchangeable, but indignation stresses righteous anger at what one considers unfair, mean, or shameful.

a comment that caused general indignation

When might ire be a better fit than wrath?

Although the words ire and wrath have much in common, 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 wrath?

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

shook with rage
could not contain his fury

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 wrath There’s Diem’s grandparents, Grace (Lauren Graham) and Patrick (Bradley Whitford), who are well-meaning but full of righteous wrath about the woman who was responsible for their son’s death. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 11 Mar. 2026 Mayor Mamdani and his team want to position themselves as heroes battling the wrath of bad landlords, while shielding the work, or lack thereof, of this administration (and previous administrations) and not answer for its own neglect. Renee Collymore, New York Daily News, 11 Mar. 2026 But even with Ledger onside, Kenna still faces the wrath of Grace and Patrick, Diem’s grandparents. Damon Wise, Deadline, 11 Mar. 2026 The White Stripes frontman may have incurred the wrath of Swifties with his comments in a recent interview. Kathleen Perricone, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wrath
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wrath
Noun
  • That a website better known for racing to announce celebrity deaths and releasing videos of misbehaving reality stars has turned its eye on DC says something about the anger roiling the nation.
    Elex Michaelson, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Their last few encounters have left Dana on the brink of tears or screaming in anger at herself in the bathroom.
    Hunter Ingram, Variety, 3 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • But when the people responsible are caught, some are already hoping for the worst punishment possible.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 2 Apr. 2026
  • But that behavior and actions cause for some type of punishment.
    Kaicey Baylor, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Surely there was something more beneath all this mild pleasantness, some edge of resentment, a few shards of indignation on the brink of cutting through.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 Apr. 2026
  • To his astonishment — and culinary indignation — the screen returned an absolute void.
    Paula Soria, AZCentral.com, 23 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • That would draw another defender out and leave a gap at the penalty spot.
    Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Consumers and private health insurance plans would likely see the largest price increases under such a scenario, said Ciaccia, citing inflation penalties assessed when drug companies significantly raise prices for government health insurance programs Medicare and Medicaid.
    Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 5 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Camilla’s been getting the brunt of Sarah’s fury.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Time and again, the Venezuelan opposition has converted popular fury into political momentum, only to watch Chavismo regroup, survive, and consolidate.
    Boris Muñoz, Time, 3 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The outrage was loud enough that, the following day, the Wizards released an apology.
    Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2026
  • In Carlsbad, an 11-year-old Black girl was physically assaulted in an incident that sparked community outrage.
    Fabienne Perlov, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Infiniti lets us in on Agnes’ mounting disillusionment in small doses hinting at pain and, possibly, rage (add Carrie to the underdeveloped influences).
    Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 2 Apr. 2026
  • There is hope in words that can reframe our perspectives, entertain and offer humor, or commiserate in our rage or grief.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • In a high-rise, that kind of continuous great-room footprint can matter as much as the finishes —especially when the view is expected to carry the mood of the space.
    David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Floorboards and beige walls didn’t do much to set the mood, but they were beautifully accompanied by period furniture and lamps, that kept the post-war vibe the rest of the hotel basks in.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Wrath.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wrath. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

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