THROE Synonyms: 70 Similar and Opposite Words

throe

noun

ˈthrō

Definition of throe

as in ache

a sharp unpleasant sensation usually felt in some specific part of the body collapsed in the throes of agony

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in struggle

throes plural a forceful effort to reach a goal or objective that third-world country is caught up in the throes of a democratic revolution

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 throe While the Knicks are now the toast of the town for the first time since 1973, the other sports teams that call the metropolitan area home are each in the throes of a long championship drought. — Jeff Capellini, CBS News, 18 June 2026 The last time Google released a smart speaker, the world was in the throes of a pandemic. — Julian Chokkattu, Wired News, 17 June 2026 Parker collapsed under it all, finding herself in the throes of a nervous breakdown on the floor of her home in Philadelphia. — Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 12 June 2026 The weeklong visit to Spain by Pope Leo XIV has brought the pontiff to a once-staunchly Catholic country that has long been in the throes of waning religious practice and, recently, a political crisis for the governing Socialist Party. — ABC News, 6 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for throe

Recent Examples of Synonyms for throe

Noun

The fever and the less intense strain often presents as a headache, fever, muscle and joint aches, nausea, and fatigue.

— Mary Ella Hastings July 24, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 July 2026
The non-opioid tablet can be used by adults and children aged 12 and older for temporary relief of headaches, back pain, muscle aches, toothache, menstrual cramps and minor pain from arthritis, the FDA said.

— Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 24 July 2026

Definition of ache

Noun

Curtin admits to feeling a small pang when a guest drinks only water throughout the meal.

— Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Yet for the drivers, the pangs of change were felt through the last race at the British Grand Prix in Silverstone, and are anticipated again at this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix at Spa.

— Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 15 July 2026

Definition of pang

Noun

Fruit extracts clarify excess oil and buildup, while a cooling mint complex and menthol deliver a refreshing tingle, leaving your scalp feeling clean, balanced, and freshly reset.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 18 June 2026
In the case of Putnam County, that tingle is a roar — our collective sense that the fraud there goes back decades.

— Paul Solotaroff, Rolling Stone, 9 June 2026

Definition of tingle

Noun

In a handwritten criminal complaint, Patty’s ex-wife described a disturbing physical altercation that allegedly left her with a swollen arm, neck pain and a bump on her head.

— Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026
The linebacker was looked at on the sideline for several minutes before walking off the pain and returning to drills.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 29 July 2026

Definition of pain

Noun

Caterpillar hairs floated on the water’s surface, leaving swimmers with a necklace of red stings.

— Ben Crair, New Yorker, 31 July 2026
This was in the era of mail-order CD clubs, when radio stations would pay $100 a month for one or two CDs full of background music to produce ads or stings.

— Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 30 July 2026

Definition of sting

Browse Nearby Words

throbs

throe

throes

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Throe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/throe. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of throe

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on throe

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

spindrift

Popular in Grammar & Usage

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Your vs. You're: How to Use Them Correctly

Popular in Wordplay

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

The Words of the Week - Jul. 31

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes