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
Africa's most populous country will hold the election against a backdrop of worsening economic and security crises that have caused anger among voters against Tinubu's government. ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026 As forcible mobilisation grows to fill Ukraine’s ebbing ranks, so will anger at the presidency and military. Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026
Verb
The combined Academy was first based in New York, but then moved out west — angering the folks in Gotham. Michael Schneider, Variety, 18 Aug. 2026 The two women who won jury trials in their lawsuits against the county are angered that the county has opted to appeal. Sean Emery, Oc Register, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for anger
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anger
Noun
  • On cue, China expressed indignation about anti-missile deployments.
    Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Mind you, Miss Manners agrees with your indignation at this fraudulent maneuver.
    Judith Martin, Mercury News, 21 July 2026
Verb
  • But maybe that low point and the unexpected departure of Stokes and the return of Joe Root as Test captain ahead of the white-ball skipper has proved a turning point for one of the most gifted but infuriating batters of his generation.
    Paul Newman, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
  • There are a variety of reasons for this — from reasonable to infuriating — why those who paid higher prices won’t be getting refunds.
    Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Domestic grievances and outrage over Gaza make for a potent mix, and a wave of protest comparable to the uprisings of 15 years ago could again be on the horizon.
    MARC LYNCH, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Within weeks of Porter’s death, ICE agents gunned down Renee Good and Alex Pretti in confrontations in Minneapolis, with both slayings drawing national outrage.
    James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The comment at a rally last Sunday titillated, provoked and enraged different audiences simultaneously, all but guaranteeing saturation news coverage and even more attention.
    Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026
  • North Carolina and Bill Belichick got zero, no doubt enraging girlfriend Jordon Hudson.
    Greg Cote August 2, Miami Herald, 2 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Buteau’s Coco makes off with a bit more meat on the bone, though her messy divorce, complicated relationship with her ex, and profound rage are too often leaned on as our Big!
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Symptoms range from feelings of rage or shame to thoughts of suicide.
    Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • That was Gardner’s first game with the Colts after being acquired from the New York Jets, and while Indy pulled out the OT victory, Gardner was still annoyed by some of the social media chatter afterward.
    James Boyd, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Debt collectors also can't repeatedly call with the intent to annoy, abuse or harass you.
    Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • One can draw a direct connection between the fire-and-fury threat in 2017 and Trump’s friendly statements about North Korea’s Kim Jong Un in the past week.
    David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The Gulf states may be open to such an approach despite their fury over Iran’s latest attacks; after all, Saudi Arabia and Iran reached a rapprochement in 2023 after an earlier bout of Iranian aggression.
    MARC LYNCH, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The journey by sea was treacherous, and the men who knew about the Koh-i-Noor feared the curse of the stone had turned its wrath on them.
    Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Brown gave up a quick pressure that resulted in Burrow feeling the wrath.
    Gladys Louise Tyler, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Anger.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anger. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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