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
Even their coach embodies a respectful, reflective male ideal and disciplines his athletes rather than celebrating them for outbursts of anger. Anna Rinderspacher, Glamour, 20 May 2026 The looks, the deeds, the loyalty and even the anger. Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 20 May 2026
Verb
This spring, the singer Zara Larsson, who made an offhand remark in an interview that angered Taylor Swift fans, posted a defense in an Instagram Story that included at least two typos (among them a misspelling of physical as psychical). Michael Waters, The Atlantic, 21 May 2026 The retailer scaled back Pride displays and rolled back DEI programs, angering its liberal customers. Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 20 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for anger
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anger
Noun
  • In theory, the British director’s fifth feature — premiered in Directors’ Fortnight at Cannes — is a film of big, bubbling emotions and anti-capitalist rage.
    Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 22 May 2026
  • After all, franchises are all the rage these days.
    Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 22 May 2026
Verb
  • Rising gas prices and an unpopular war in Iran have infuriated prominent MAGA figures online, but in terms of GOP elections, the president has been able to elbow out critics in Congress and disobedient legislators in red states.
    Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 17 May 2026
  • Georgia Supreme Court challenger Jen Jordan infuriates Republicans with a new fundraising email.
    Adam Beam, AJC.com, 15 May 2026
Noun
  • His perception in the market forever changed after that, bubbling up again into fury with every postseason failure.
    Jonas Siegel, New York Times, 21 May 2026
  • The film, which is set to bow in Un Certain Regard on May 21, tumbles through tones, swerving through pitch-black humor, empathy, fury and larger-than-life moments.
    William Earl, Variety, 20 May 2026
Verb
  • That change, which postponed the 2025 election to 2026, enraged some residents.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 14 May 2026
  • The judge rejected the Suffolk District Attorney’s recommendation of 12 years and cut it in half, enraging prosecutors.
    Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 14 May 2026
Noun
  • As OutKick founder Clay Travis pointed out, the hypocrisy surrounding the outrage is also amusing.
    Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 May 2026
  • This week, Ben-Gvir sparked global outrage after promoting a video of himself taunting detained flotilla activists.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2026
Verb
  • That’s what so annoys Erika at some point.
    Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 18 May 2026
  • But if creases annoy you, look elsewhere.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 14 May 2026
Noun
  • These justices have shown no particular alarm or regret over the sweeping attack on Black voting power that has followed their erosion of the VRA, displaying instead a haughty indignation that anyone would criticize their decisions or rationale.
    Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 19 May 2026
  • Where is the indignation about this from politicians, community leaders and clergy?
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 4 May 2026
Noun
  • Joao Gomes, one of the few current players to escape the wrath of disgruntled supporters, lingered on the pitch after his team-mates had left following a brief, post-match lap of appreciation.
    Steve Madeley, New York Times, 18 May 2026
  • One of the most significant was the hurdle of engineering the enclave to harmonize with nature to resist the wrath of disasters, says Syd Kitson, founder and visionary behind Babcock Ranch.
    Jeffrey Steele, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Anger.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anger. Accessed 25 May. 2026.

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