Synonym Chooser

How does the noun agony differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of agony are distress, misery, and suffering. While all these words mean "the state of being in great trouble," agony suggests pain too intense to be borne.

in agony over the death of their child

Where would distress be a reasonable alternative to agony?

The words distress and agony are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, distress implies an external and usually temporary cause of great physical or mental strain and stress.

the hurricane put everyone in great distress

When is it sensible to use misery instead of agony?

The meanings of misery and agony largely overlap; however, misery stresses the unhappiness attending especially sickness, poverty, or loss.

the homeless live with misery every day

When is suffering a more appropriate choice than agony?

In some situations, the words suffering and agony are roughly equivalent. However, suffering implies conscious endurance of pain or distress.

the suffering of famine victims

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 agony Madeline Dunn says that one of her 18-month-old twins, Kai, woke up at 11 pm screaming in agony. Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 2 July 2025 Meanwhile, Joseph writhes in the agony of his own newfound girl craziness (and cleavage obsession). Daniel Dockery, Vulture, 7 July 2025 Williams was never offered any other clear pathway to finding relief—even as the agony from her fibroids was getting worse. Kayla Greaves, SELF, 3 July 2025 Despite the agony of a playoff defeat for my Celtics, the culmination of the NBA season is a massive highlight. Jeff Chow, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for agony
Recent Examples of Synonyms for agony
Noun
  • What follows is a floor-by-floor descent into madness as Bobby battles bloodthirsty perverts, demonic flash mobs, and hallucinogenic suburban nightmares, all while trying to figure out if he’s meant to be the hero… or just the last guy standing.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 14 July 2025
  • However, experts are sounding the alarm on one type of photo that could turn a dream vacation into a travel nightmare.
    Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • Brown said a bite from a lone star tick can trigger an allergic reaction, with symptoms including hives, gastrointestinal distress and potentially life-threatening anaphylaxis.
    State House News Service, Boston Herald, 13 July 2025
  • Tiffany had shown no indication of being depressed or in emotional distress.
    Alex Gurley, People.com, 12 July 2025
Noun
  • The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has identified the three deputies killed in Friday’s training facility explosion at an East Los Angeles County training site.
    Christina Shaw, FOXNews.com, 19 July 2025
  • The road closures and evacuation orders around the Esparto fireworks explosion site were lifted on Friday, allowing a closer look at the site where seven people were killed in the July 1 blast.
    Nathaniel Levine, Sacbee.com, 19 July 2025
Noun
  • That simplistic assessment would not account for the first student’s misery or the second child’s enjoyment.
    Iddo Gefen, Twin Cities, 16 July 2025
  • Forced to comply with stereotypical African-American misery, Burnett works best outside Hollywood formula.
    Armond White, National Review, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • But the first lady and I are here in Texas to express the love and support and the anguish of our entire nation in the aftermath of this really horrific and deadly flood.
    Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 11 July 2025
  • Ming-Na Wen Tapped Into Deep Emotions To Play Dr. Fong In ‘Karate Kid: Legends’ While Ming-Na Wen doesn’t throw a punch in Karate Kid: Legends, that doesn’t mean her character hasn’t been in past battles, particularly those dealing with mental anguish.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
Noun
  • The galaxy can be seen undergoing a burst of star formation thanks to the tidal influence of a galactic neighbor, with the glowing red form of an emission nebula visible throughout, giving the impression of a cosmic firework display.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 13 July 2025
  • The raging river bursts from its banks around this time, sweeping homes, cars, campers and cabins downstream.
    Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 12 July 2025
Noun
  • Seeing how she was broken down and dehumanized through torture and isolation, definitely reflected the lengths humans will go to in order to survive.
    Lynette Rice, Deadline, 10 July 2025
  • Colleagues and former patients' families expressed concern for Soliman's safety if deported back to Egypt, citing fears of persecution and torture.
    Patricia Gallagher Newberry, The Enquirer, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • In April, Robinson teamed up with another father who understands the pain of losing a child all too well: Joseph Petito.
    Julia Bonavita , Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 19 July 2025
  • Abdominal fat, particularly in midlife and later in life, has been implicated in a number of serious conditions including chronic pain, stroke and cardiovascular disease.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 19 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Agony.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/agony. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.

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