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
The defining moment of Hadi’s presidency came in 2014, when Houthi fighters swept south from their northern strongholds and captured Sanaa amid growing public anger over economic hardship and political instability. ABC News, 28 May 2026 Anger to acceptance Other customers, meanwhile, expressed a range of emotions on the spectrum of grief, from anger to depression to reluctant acceptance. Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 28 May 2026
Verb
She is backed by the California Teachers Association and local CTA affiliates, but the next superintendent must help districts confront declining enrollment, fiscal imbalances, school closures, layoffs and personnel decisions that may anger her teachers’ union allies. Mercury News Editorial Board, Mercury News, 27 May 2026 Hollywood’s hold on the Cannes Film Festival used to anger some film critics and journalists. Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for anger
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anger
Noun
  • And flatter structures are all the rage right now.
    Claire Zillman, Fortune, 30 May 2026
  • The laughter stops immediately, and a familiar look of bubbling rage returns to Ruben’s eyes.
    Barry Levitt, Time, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • Union Pacific hasn’t commented publicly on the president’s remarks, but risks infuriating the president by denying them privately to investors all the same.
    Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 1 June 2026
  • Those exemptions — and the government stipends many seminary students receive up to the age of 26 — have infuriated many Israelis.
    Melanie Lidman, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026
Noun
  • Regardless, there’s a clear symbolism to Clark empathizing and embracing a bloated externalization of his own inchoate fury until someone with an outside perspective disturbs his peace, and that fury breaks loose and devours him.
    Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 29 May 2026
  • Sarcastic fury on his past albums used to be paired with a sense of playful discovery, like the new wave synths mixed with punishing bass on All My Heroes Are Cornballs or the SP-404-shredding beats that powered his Danny Brown collaboration Scaring The Hoes.
    Dylan Green, Pitchfork, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • One quick way to enrage a room of people leaders?
    Kristin Stoller, Fortune, 26 May 2026
  • On the touchline, these two managers were expressive and often enraged, absorbed in the action.
    Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 25 May 2026
Noun
  • The close proximity of the plant to homes and schools led to widespread outrage and now dozens of lawsuits after residents were displaced for days.
    Jason Henry, Oc Register, 30 May 2026
  • Williams’ ruling could reignite a case that has roiled Washington, where the deal arranged between the president, Internal Revenue Service and Department of Justice has been met with bipartisan outrage and questions about how the president could sue and settle with his own administration.
    Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 30 May 2026
Verb
  • Ever been annoyed after Windows setup that your user folder has a weird name?
    Jon Martindale, PC Magazine, 28 May 2026
  • The suspension is a nice blend between comfort and sport—the sweet spot where breaks in the asphalt don’t annoy, yet body roll never feels excessive.
    Michael Harley, Forbes.com, 27 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
  • Backup Spurs center Luke Kornet’s minutes have offered an opening this series — mostly a break from Wembanyama’s wrath.
    Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 29 May 2026
  • There are the victims, their families, and lives left shattered because of a single person’s vicious wrath.
    Boston Herald editorial staff, Boston Herald, 20 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Anger.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anger. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.

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