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
Teddi Mellencamp has finally emerged on the healthy side of a torturous, years-long battle with cancer.
—
Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 9 July 2025
Working out was a chore or—even worse—torturous penance for failing to become the impossible ever-shrinking woman.
—Julie Beck, The Atlantic, 3 July 2025
The push comes as nine inmates on death row filed a lawsuit in Davidson County Chancery Court in March saying the state’s new one-drug execution protocol brings the risk of a torturous death and has fewer safeguards compared to the previous protocol.
—Kelly Puente, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
My Mom Died is a harrowing read that traces McCurdy’s torturous relationship with her mother, which included highly invasive inspections of her body, an extreme low-calorie diet designed to keep her weight low, and a bathing ritual where her mother would shave her legs.
—Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 1 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for torturous
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Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 9 July 2025
Working out was a chore or—even worse—torturous penance for failing to become the impossible ever-shrinking woman.
—Julie Beck, The Atlantic, 3 July 2025
The push comes as nine inmates on death row filed a lawsuit in Davidson County Chancery Court in March saying the state’s new one-drug execution protocol brings the risk of a torturous death and has fewer safeguards compared to the previous protocol.
—Kelly Puente, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
My Mom Died is a harrowing read that traces McCurdy’s torturous relationship with her mother, which included highly invasive inspections of her body, an extreme low-calorie diet designed to keep her weight low, and a bathing ritual where her mother would shave her legs.
—Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 1 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for torturous
Cite this Entry
“Torturous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/torturous. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.
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