1
as in agony
a state of great suffering of body or mind
the upcoming bar exam is causing us considerable distress the survivors were in extreme distress after having been stranded on the island for a week with no food
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in risk
the state of not being protected from injury, harm, or evil
a ship in distress
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to alarm
to trouble the mind of; to make uneasy
don't let all the bad news distress you
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of distress
Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 13 Jan. 2026
The lawsuit now proceeds on Wilson’s breach of contract and fair dealing claims against AI Film, as well as a claim that producers caused Wilson emotional distress.
—Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 13 Jan. 2026
Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
In terms of finishing technologies, said Mangin laser finishing is often applied to enhance or distress jacquard patterns, adding a layered aesthetic.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 8 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for distress
Noun
Two others, identified as Ian Laing and Patrick Leslie, survived after making a distress call using a Garmin satellite device, according to the Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office.
—Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 13 Jan. 2026
The lawsuit now proceeds on Wilson’s breach of contract and fair dealing claims against AI Film, as well as a claim that producers caused Wilson emotional distress.
—Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 13 Jan. 2026
Verb
The ever-rising body counts, including mounting civilian deaths, distressed him.
—Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
In terms of finishing technologies, said Mangin laser finishing is often applied to enhance or distress jacquard patterns, adding a layered aesthetic.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 8 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for distress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distress
Noun
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The dramatic arc of the film’s first half — filled with the ecstasy of God’s embrace and the agony of imprisonment — is told through musical numbers, adapted from the Shakers’ ecstatic worship, dance, hymns, and music (watch the video above to learn more).—
Chris O'Falt,
IndieWire,
7 Jan. 2026
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One year before Ingri and Edgar Parin D’Aulaire published their compendium of Greek myths, Cicellis released her second work of fiction, The Way to Colonos, which ruthlessly dramatizes the limits of individual freedom and the agony of facing one’s powerlessness.—
Rachel Vorona Cote,
The Atlantic,
5 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The robots handle precise positioning, reduce the risk of door damage, and allow vehicles to be parked closer together.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
16 Jan. 2026
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On one hand, artificial intelligence is rapidly improving cybersecurity defense technologies, but AI is also equipping cybercriminals with sophisticated tools and creating new risks.—
Dawn Giel,Contessa Brewer,
CNBC,
16 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The images alarmed many onlookers, watchdogs and people whose photos had been manipulated, and there was a sustained pushback on X leading up to the change.—
Kevin Collier,
NBC news,
9 Jan. 2026
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That the administration appears unconcerned by this fact should alarm everyone else.—
Jon Duffy,
Mercury News,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
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However, the announcement has not dispelled the uncertainty or anguish among detainees’ families.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
12 Jan. 2026
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Nacua lay on the turf at Bank of America Stadium, not in physical pain but instead in mental anguish.—
Adam Grosbard,
Oc Register,
11 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The usage has also led to improved community engagement surrounding the dangers of celebratory gunfire, an issue that has plagued Kansas City for years, Becchina said.—
Ben Wheeler,
Kansas City Star,
12 Jan. 2026
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This windfall and the attendant political benefits for the governor have come at public expense, as the dangers of marijuana become tragically apparent.—
Cory Franklin,
Chicago Tribune,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
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But the problems that concern people about human immigration will definitely apply to AI immigration.—
Bernard Marr,
Forbes.com,
21 Jan. 2026
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Fort Collins Police Services told CBS Colorado the building was closed to access in mid-December after concerning levels of meth traces were detected in the building.—
Dillon Thomas,
CBS News,
21 Jan. 2026
Noun
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So Skinny Pedro had experienced the pain of seeing his dream simultaneously realized and shattered.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
12 Jan. 2026
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Hannah tells the jury how the pain affected her.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
11 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The cuts had thrown into jeopardy programs that give direct mental health services, opioid treatment, drug prevention resources, peer support and more to communities affected by addiction, mental illness and homelessness.—
Ali Swenson,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Jan. 2026
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Cameron Dicker kicked field goals of 37 and 27 yards and running back Omarion Hampton scored on a 5-yard run in the second half, and the Chargers were never in serious jeopardy.—
Elliott Teaford,
Oc Register,
21 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Distress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distress. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.
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