anger 1 of 2

Definition of angernext

anger

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun anger differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of anger are fury, indignation, ire, rage, and wrath. While all these words mean "an intense emotional state induced by displeasure," anger, the most general term, names the reaction but by itself does not convey cause or intensity.

tried to hide his anger

When could indignation be used to replace anger?

In some situations, the words indignation and anger are roughly equivalent. However, indignation stresses righteous anger at what one considers unfair, mean, or shameful.

a comment that caused general indignation

In what contexts can ire take the place of anger?

The meanings of ire and anger largely overlap; however, ire, more frequent in literary contexts, suggests an intense anger, often with an evident display of feeling.

cheeks flushed with ire

How do rage and fury relate to one another, in the sense of anger?

Both rage and fury suggest loss of self-control from violence of emotion.

shook with rage
could not contain his fury

Where would wrath be a reasonable alternative to anger?

While the synonyms wrath and anger are close in meaning, wrath is likely to suggest a desire or intent to punish or get revenge.

I feared her wrath if I was discovered

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 anger
Noun
Their faltering attempt at a total crackdown—which can’t muzzle the anger and bravery of ordinary people—and its general odor of malicious incompetence, is even seeping into the White House’s hermetic media echo chamber. James Folta, Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026 Although anger may blow over when the argument is over, the impact of hostile language stays with your partner and erodes the foundation of trust and safety in your relationship. Molly Burrets, CNBC, 29 Jan. 2026
Verb
And all the while, our gutless politicians watch from the sidelines so as to not interfere and risk angering their party. Arkansas Online, 27 Jan. 2026 The remark angered lawmakers on both sides of the aisle at the time, and it was quickly walked back. Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 26 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for anger
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anger
Noun
  • Tall Shaft Boots Knee-high boots were all the rage back in 2016, and the stylish trend happens to still be well-suited for winter travel this year—depending on your selection, that is.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 31 Jan. 2026
  • The demonstration was marked by intense emotion, with rage, frustration and grief reflected in signs and chants calling for accountability and change.
    Jasmine Arenas, CBS News, 31 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • But Newsom’s decision to leave LaMalfa’s seat vacant as long as possible has infuriated California Republicans.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2026
  • Besides playing with his usual defensive edginess, Larsson chipped in 16 points (7-for-9 shooting), nine assists, six rebounds and a steal and twice managed to infuriate normally mild-manner veteran DeMar DeRozan, who body checked him to the ground on one sequence and clotheslined him on another.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 21 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • After the posts sparked fury online, VCU completed a swift investigation before parting ways with Cook.
    Peter D'Abrosca, FOXNews.com, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Because pretty much everywhere else but the Kennedy Center on this frigid winter night, the country was more focused on fury than finery.
    Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 30 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The killing of Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis last Saturday has enraged many people across the country.
    Frank Langfitt, NPR, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Duran booted a water bottle on his way down the tunnel while manager Unai Emery was enraged by Newcastle assistant Jason Tindall putting his finger to his lips and telling the Spaniard to be quiet.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Liam’s detention became another flashpoint in the criticism over heavy-handed immigration enforcement tactics used by the feds and fueled mounting outrage from community members and officials alike.
    Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 1 Feb. 2026
  • The case drew widespread outrage after an image of Ramos — wearing a blue hat and a backpack as he was being taken into custody by immigration authorities — went viral online.
    Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 31 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • In particular, you might be concerned or annoyed about financial issues with a friend or a group.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 25 Jan. 2026
  • Here are two habits that often annoy people the most, and reliably signal that a partner is deeply invested in you.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • His indignation was not sugar coated.
    Essence, Essence, 20 Jan. 2026
  • Struber laughs at their polite indignation.
    Stuart James, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • And farther north along Gleason Beach in Sonoma County, rapid erosion finally forced officials in 2020 to move a section of the road inland, to further avoid the ocean’s wrath.
    Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2026
  • The mood in the crowd was widespread anger and sadness — recalling the same outpour of wrath that shook the city for weeks after the killing of George Floyd in 2020, although without the widespread rioting that had occurred then.
    Jack Brook, Twin Cities, 25 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Anger.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anger. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on anger

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!