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
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
2
as in indecision
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
1
as in plaguing
to cause persistent suffering to
got into more trouble, further agonizing her poor mother
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
John Shipley,
Twin Cities,
8 June 2026
Sarunya, here since 1999, is a familiar face to many, for sometimes agonizing but superlative reflexology.
—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
Rand Richards Cooper,
Hartford Courant,
8 Jan. 2026
Connor Letourneau,
San Francisco Chronicle,
7 Mar. 2026
Since then, Arsenal has flirted with a series of agonizing near misses, most notably pipped at the post by Manchester City in the 2022-23 and 2023-24 Premier League campaigns.
—
Aleks Klosok,
CNN Money,
26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for agonizing
Adjective
Settling on Heise, Pannek and Rooney as the first three players to protect was agonizing, Caruso and Klee said.
—
John Shipley,
Twin Cities,
8 June 2026
Sarunya, here since 1999, is a familiar face to many, for sometimes agonizing but superlative reflexology.
—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
Noun
My agonizing over a coin toss illustrates the basic distortion that gambling exerts on spectating.
—
Rand Richards Cooper,
Hartford Courant,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
The parents who keep looking for him, agonizing over his health.
—
Connor Letourneau,
San Francisco Chronicle,
7 Mar. 2026
Since then, Arsenal has flirted with a series of agonizing near misses, most notably pipped at the post by Manchester City in the 2022-23 and 2023-24 Premier League campaigns.
—
Aleks Klosok,
CNN Money,
26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for agonizing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for agonizing
Adjective
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However, Ukraine’s successes have highlighted its ability to inflict painful damage on Russia and change the course of the conflict while Moscow’s advances recently have ground to a near halt.
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California’s already-high electricity rates have increased far faster than inflation, threaten progress on climate change and pose painful affordability burdens on residents and businesses, the Berkeley report said.
Adjective
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His most wrenching scene, when Stagg receives a devastating personal call but cannot react amid the intense geopolitical stakes, captured this tension.
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Another wrenching question, of course, is whether at least the younger Perez siblings would want or need to go with Olga to Guatemala if she were deported.
Noun
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The Church family is suing for compensatory damages, including but not limited to medical expenses and physical pain and suffering.
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Whether humanity makes a quick shift to a new order or descends into chaos, pain, and widespread suffering will depend upon our ability to forge a vision for the future that captures the public’s attention and commitment.
Noun
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The point is not indecision, nor contradiction.
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Campos said the late surge likely reflected voter indecision in the gubernatorial primary.
Verb
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Different aspects can make downtowns undesirable and several issues have been plaguing cities on both sides of the Atlantic recently.
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For one, the blue material likely has no direct relation to the large algal blooms that are also plaguing the monument, according to Tim Auerhahn, chairman of the Aquatic Council.
Verb
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Scammers look for grieving spouses, newly single homeowners and families dealing with estate paperwork.
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It’s set in a recognizably near-future, where a grieving couple who have recently lost their son in a tragic accident decides to adopt a humanoid child — one that looks and sounds the same as their dead child.
Adjective
-
Plant magnolias somewhere they will be protected from harsh winds, especially when buds or flowers are developing.
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Most clarifying shampoos tend to be a little harsh and drying, but this one is gentle and nourishing.
Adjective
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As part of her job, Angèle needs to daub makeup on the models’ feet, blistered from the torturous heels they’re forced to wear.
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The film tells the story of Greek hero Odysseus’ long, torturous and fantastical trip home from the Trojan War, back to the Kingdom of Ithaca to save his wife and son.
Cite this Entry
“Agonizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/agonizing. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
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