1
as in painful
hard to accept or bear especially emotionally
agonizing cries rose up from the dungeon
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in wrenching
intensely or unbearably painful
died an agonizing death
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in suffering
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in indecision
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in plaguing
to cause persistent suffering to
got into more trouble, further agonizing her poor mother
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in grieving
to feel deep sadness or mental pain
agonized for days over whether she'd done the right thing
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of agonizing
Arkansas Online, 21 Apr. 2025
Another has equipment so inadequate that the city has to ship samples to a state lab 150 miles away, causing inefficiencies, agonizing waits for results and delayed response times.
—Ryan J. Foley, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2025
But to read Antonia’s book is to be reminded how agonizing even a modern, medicalized death can be.
—Emily Harnett, Harpers Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025
Real fans, however, know that Grey’s Anatomy is actually an emotional torture device overseen by the brilliant and sadistic Shonda Rhimes, an agonizing exercise in grief and loss delivered in weekly installments.
—Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for agonizing
Adjective
The roughly 6,000 employees in Kansas City faced agonizing choices: decide whether to accept resignation or early retirement offers by April 14 or risk losing their jobs later.
—Arkansas Online, 21 Apr. 2025
Another has equipment so inadequate that the city has to ship samples to a state lab 150 miles away, causing inefficiencies, agonizing waits for results and delayed response times.
—Ryan J. Foley, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2025
But to read Antonia’s book is to be reminded how agonizing even a modern, medicalized death can be.
—Emily Harnett, Harpers Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025
Real fans, however, know that Grey’s Anatomy is actually an emotional torture device overseen by the brilliant and sadistic Shonda Rhimes, an agonizing exercise in grief and loss delivered in weekly installments.
—Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for agonizing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for agonizing
Adjective
-
The alternative — a world in which the United States and China no longer engage in trade — could be economically painful and destabilizing.—
Alan Rappeport,
New York Times,
10 May 2025
-
Appearance: The condition starts as small, extremely painful blisters on your shins (and sometimes your arms).—
Sherri Gordon,
Health,
9 May 2025
Noun
-
Sokola dealt with immense emotional pain and suffering and gave up her acting dreams after the assault, the suit said.—
Katherine Koretski,
NBC news,
8 May 2025
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By implementing commonsense reforms, voters, policymakers and medical institutions can team up to radically reduce death and suffering as a result of this devastating disease.—
Steven Levitt,
Boston Herald,
6 May 2025
Noun
-
By Annie Blackman Fulani Braids Are the Perfect Hybrid Protective Style The versatile hairstyle will put an end to your indecision.—
Liz Krieger,
Allure,
15 Apr. 2025
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This taught me that indecision can be costlier than making tough calls.—
Wayne Yu,
Forbes.com,
10 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Bereavement hallucinations—intensely vivid encounters with the deceased—are reported by as many as half of all grieving people.—
Adam Gopnik,
The New Yorker,
24 Mar. 2025
-
The Catalan feature tells the stories of Anabel and her mother, Delia, who are grieving for Julián, Anabel’s father.—
Jamie Lang,
Variety,
22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
More precipitation in these locations could make up for the harsh cold season.—
Jordan-Marie Smith,
NPR,
11 May 2025
-
The team opened the year with some question marks at third base and those questions have persisted after a harsh injury to Jazz Chisholm Jr. Chisholm landed on the injured list earlier this month after suffering a high-grade strain to his right oblique.—
Peter Chawaga,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 May 2025
Adjective
-
The torturous clobbering comes after Joel saves Abby from infected hordes and is coldly executed in front of his surrogate daughter, Ellie (Bella Ramsey).—
Bryan Alexander,
USA Today,
22 Apr. 2025
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One of the hardest parts is her daily growth-hormone injections—a torturous process for everyone involved.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
22 Mar. 2025
Noun
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As the fintech industry recalibrates—shifting from growth-at-all-costs to sustainable, focused models—leaders like Ferris are proving that clarity beats chaos, and conviction beats hesitation.—
Nicole Casperson,
Forbes.com,
9 May 2025
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Part of the hesitation expressed by business centers on understanding how the tariffs will affect consumers’ view of the economy.—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
9 May 2025
Verb
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Wiz could be a turning point for an uncertain IPO market and a mergers and acquisitions environment aching from a slowdown in deal activity.—
Samantha Subin,
CNBC,
24 Mar. 2025
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In fact, this iteration is a lighter and more cushioned version, with a level of support and shock absorption that ensures your feet are not aching after a day of sightseeing.—
Kristin Braswell,
Travel + Leisure,
20 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Agonizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/agonizing. Accessed 20 May. 2025.
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