agonizing

adjective

ag·​o·​niz·​ing ˈa-gə-ˌnī-ziŋ How to pronounce agonizing (audio)
Synonyms of agonizingnext
: causing agony
an agonizing injury
agonizingly adverb

Examples of agonizing in a Sentence

a long and agonizing battle with cancer She made the agonizing decision to cancel the trip. The agonizing wait was finally over. He was in agonizing pain.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Morrison walks us through the agonizing implications and consequences of the other choice in the ethical bind. Literary Hub, 17 Feb. 2026 The world watched as the heavy favorite to triumph at the Milan Cortina Games sat through several agonizing minutes of dejection. Dave Skretta, Chicago Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026 For the Iranian diaspora, this has meant an agonizing wait for news from family members, with many left feeling helpless in the face of such unthinkable atrocities. Emily Chan, Vogue, 14 Feb. 2026 Finally, that is, this most agonizing of stories that has captured the attention of the country — the world, even — might come to a conclusion. Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 13 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for agonizing

Word History

Etymology

from present participle of agonize

First Known Use

1570, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of agonizing was in 1570

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Agonizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/agonizing. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.

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