agonize

verb

ˈa-gə-ˌnīz How to pronounce agonize (audio)
Definition of agonizenext
1
as in to persecute
to cause persistent suffering to got into more trouble, further agonizing her poor mother

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to grieve
to feel deep sadness or mental pain agonized for days over whether she'd done the right thing

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of agonize During deliberation, Commissioner Martinez openly agonized over Kissimmee’s dilemma. — Sara-James Ranta, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2026 Samuel agonized the most after getting hit on a screen at the 5-yard line, apparently as his funny bone shot pain through his left arm. — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 16 Aug. 2026 In college, players, coaches and fans agonize over wins and losses. — Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026 Les Snead agonized over including defensive rookie of the year Jared Verse in the trade for Myles Garrett, but ultimately decided to make the move. — Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for agonize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for agonize
  1. persecute
  2. grieve
  3. plague
  4. mourn
  5. afflict
  6. ache
  7. torture
  8. sigh
Verb
  • Those governments provide assurances that people won’t be persecuted or tortured, federal attorneys said.
    — Lindsay Whitehurst, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Also, some immigration cases involve people seeking asylum because they are being persecuted by a foreign government and releasing a person’s full name could be considered sensitive or even dangerous.
    — Laura Tillman, Hartford Courant, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of persecute
Verb
  • The drama, now streaming, traces her evolution from grieving mother to vengeful killer.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
  • As investigators search for answers, a restaurant is stepping in to help grieving families and those with loved ones in the hospital.
    — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of grieve
Verb
  • Deloitte-run systems have been plagued by errors that can result in eligible people losing their health coverage, previous KFF Health News investigations have shown.
    — Samantha Liss, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026
  • The president used an antisemitic slur to defend Marshall’s history of suing patients for medical debt, a controversy that has plagued the incumbent senator in recent weeks.
    — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of plague
Verb
  • Rock band Pavlov’s Dog is mourning the loss of singer-songwriter and lead vocalist David Surkamp, who died Monday at age 74.
    — Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Dustin Hada, the head coach of Southern Nazarene’s football program, also mourned the loss of his player on social media.
    — Scott Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of mourn
Verb
  • Speaking to Variety ahead of the market, Mackinnon says the show takes its title from the chronic burnout that afflicts emergency workers on the job.
    — Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 20 Oct. 2026
  • On screen, Guitarrica’s expressive and angular visage conveys the fright and uncertainty that afflict his character, who is desperate for tenderness.
    — Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of afflict
Verb
  • The majority of patients don't have symptoms, but about one in five will experience symptoms two to six days after being bitten, including fever, headaches, body aches, joint pain, diarrhea, vomiting or a rash.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Moments of mutual support and understanding, of belly-aching laughter and silliness, of care and deep love.
    — Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of ache
Verb
  • His underlings kidnapped and tortured a dealer who refused to pay, the indictment said.
    — Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The organization advocating on his behalf said Gilman had been tortured in Russian detention.
    — Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of torture
Verb
  • The blunderbuss of violations of the basic decorum and dignity of democracy have become such a daily matter that the increasingly familiar response is to sigh and surrender.
    — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2026
  • When football fans saw three straight Primetime games on the NFL schedule for the Atlanta Falcons, there were some social media eye rolls, sighs and more, and who could blame them?
    — Scott Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of sigh

Browse Nearby Words

agonistic
agonize
agonized
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Cite this Entry

“Agonize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/agonize. Accessed 23 Oct. 2026.

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