ANGUISHING Synonyms: 136 Similar and Opposite Words

anguishing

verb

present participle of anguish

as in plaguing

to cause persistent suffering to she was anguished by the fear that her sons would die in the war

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in grieving

to feel deep sadness or mental pain I anguished over the loss of my father for years afterwards

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 anguishing Hong Kong is an anguishing example. — Michelle Kuo, The Dial, 14 Apr. 2026 Especially for someone whose entire adult life has been immersed in the adrenaline-infusion of coaching — from its exhilarating highs and anguishing lows to simply always being in the middle of so much. — Kansas City Star, 1 Apr. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for anguishing

Verb

And in contrast to most brands, Essence Cosmetics and Catrice revealed at the beginning of this year that despite the tariffs plaguing all industries, the company would not be raising prices.

— Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026
This is a snapshot of the current WNBA experience—unprecedented growth and great basketball at risk of being swallowed up by the same culture wars plaguing the broader political landscape.

— Jemele Hill, The Atlantic, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of plaguing

Verb

The spirit of Neil — there’s no reason to think the grieving process is over five years later, six years later.

— Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 23 Aug. 2026
Oliver has been grieving throughout training camp and many of his teammates only learned of the tragic accident on Friday.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of grieving

Verb

That constraint contributes to the housing crises afflicting these seasonal recreation areas.

— Nancy Forster-Holt, The Conversation, 14 Aug. 2026
Health advocates consider an official definition of ultraprocessed food a key step toward bringing greater scrutiny to meals that are blamed for multiple chronic health problems afflicting Americans.

— Matthew Perrone, Fortune, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of afflicting

Verb

Green lasers shot out into the crowd, revealing the faces of fans who’d waited all night on aching feet to see their favorites.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026
The 49ers have been aching to develop a draftee into a star, and Stribling might be their best shot since drafting Purdy in 2022.

— Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of aching

Verb

Biden weaponized Law Enforcement against his political opponent, while also persecuting many other innocent people.

— New York Times, New York Times, 11 June 2026
Jack Hayford, the founder of the King’s University, in Texas, claimed that the film was persecuting Christians, who only wanted to be treated equally.

— Isaac Butler, New Yorker, 30 May 2026

Definition of persecuting

Verb

Comments on Haaland's Instagram post teasing the cut are mixed, with some fans loving the update and others mourning the loss of that platinum ponytail.

— Kara Nesvig, Allure, 24 Aug. 2026
The Buffalo Bills are mourning the death of defensive tackle Ed Oliver’s 2-year-old son, the team announced Saturday.

— Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of mourning

Verb

But, if not, then stop using the existence of those goals as a way of torturing yourself.

— Eric Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 23 Aug. 2026
Arabella’s adoptive mother, Leticia McCormack, and her parents, Adella and Stanley Tom, were arrested three months later and accused of torturing the young girl to death.

— Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of torturing

Verb

The soundtrack—by the frequent Hans Zimmer collaborator David Fleming—is a delight, a polyphonic mood board of ghost-clangs, spooky bassoons, lyrical electro-motifs, and sighing sea themes.

— James Parker, The Atlantic, 20 July 2026
The internet may be full of people who want to outlaw leaf blowers, but misophonic triggers tend to share a bodily quality, an aurally traceable culprit such as a person crunching or sighing.

— Sloane Crosley, New Yorker, 8 June 2026

Definition of sighing

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“Anguishing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anguishing. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of anguishing

verb

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