gut-wrenching

adjective

gut-wrench·​ing ˈgət-ˌren-chiŋ How to pronounce gut-wrenching (audio)
Synonyms of gut-wrenchingnext
: causing mental or emotional anguish

Examples of gut-wrenching in a Sentence

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.
Hearing disgusting lies spread about my brother is absolutely gut-wrenching, and my family is deeply grateful so many people have stood up and helped tell his truth. Drake Bentley, jsonline.com, 30 Jan. 2026 Hearing disgusting lies spread about my brother is absolutely gut-wrenching, and my family is deeply grateful so many people have stood up and helped tell his truth. Nicole Sganga, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026 The themes are powerful and gut-wrenching. Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026 Our tear ducts definitely got a workout this year, as television offered up a bounty of gut-wrenching, sob-inducing moments. Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 11 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gut-wrenching

Word History

First Known Use

1972, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gut-wrenching was in 1972

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gut-wrenching.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gut-wrenching. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.

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