torturous
adjective
tor·tur·ous
ˈtȯr-chə-rəs 
ˈtȯrch-
1
a
: very unpleasant or painful
a torturous day
torturous self-doubts
b
: causing torture
torturous inquisitions
2
: painfully difficult or slow
the torturous course of the negotiations
torturously
adverb
Examples of torturous in a Sentence
relatives had to make the torturous decision to disconnect the patient's life-support system
the post-infection treatment for rabies was as notoriously torturous as the disease itself
Recent Examples on the Web
While staying faithful to the gothic tone and thrust of the story, the second book in the series once again turned the narrative in on itself by front-loading the perspective of chaos personified, Louis’ tortured and torturous lover, Lestat de Lioncourt.
—
Alex Zalben, IndieWire, 3 June 2026
That account of women in journalism was torturous to write.
—Literary Hub, 1 June 2026
Just 12 months after winning the Premier League title in his maiden season at Anfield, Slot paid the price for a torturous second campaign which saw Liverpool trail home in fifth place.
—James Pearce, New York Times, 1 June 2026
This torturous ordeal marked Mee’s first time entering this cave, located in the foothills of a mining project near the village of Long Tieng, hours away from the nearest cities and on muddy roads that have been lashed by the rainy season.
—Kocha Olarn, CNN Money, 31 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for torturous
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Alex Zalben, IndieWire, 3 June 2026
That account of women in journalism was torturous to write.
—Literary Hub, 1 June 2026
Just 12 months after winning the Premier League title in his maiden season at Anfield, Slot paid the price for a torturous second campaign which saw Liverpool trail home in fifth place.
—James Pearce, New York Times, 1 June 2026
This torturous ordeal marked Mee’s first time entering this cave, located in the foothills of a mining project near the village of Long Tieng, hours away from the nearest cities and on muddy roads that have been lashed by the rainy season.
—Kocha Olarn, CNN Money, 31 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for torturous
Cite this Entry
“Torturous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/torturous. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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