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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of distress
Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 15 Mar. 2026
For those who are experiencing suicidal thoughts and/or distress, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255.
—Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 14 Mar. 2026
Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 21 Jan. 2026
Ukrainian drone operators were reportedly distressed at having to kill horses, but have apparently adopted new tactics.
—David Hambling, Forbes.com, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for distress
Noun
However, any plant can cause GI distress or vomiting if ingested in large enough quantities, so keep all houseplants away from curious pets.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 15 Mar. 2026
For those who are experiencing suicidal thoughts and/or distress, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255.
—Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 14 Mar. 2026
Verb
Mainstream medical groups support puberty blockers and hormonal treatment for children who are consistent in their transgender identity and distressed by the prospect of unmedicated puberty.
—Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 21 Jan. 2026
Ukrainian drone operators were reportedly distressed at having to kill horses, but have apparently adopted new tactics.
—David Hambling, Forbes.com, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for distress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distress
Noun
-
Movie night meant a trip to the video store, and every household knew the agony of forgetting to rewind before returning a rental.—
Ryan Brennan,
Kansas City Star,
20 Mar. 2026
-
The celebrated poet and memoirist, delves into the agonies of her decision and describes the emerging women’s liberation movement, of which Moore would soon become a participant.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
20 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
That said, slow running aligns with the zone 2 cardio trend, which promises ample cardiovascular benefit, plus minimized injury risk.—
Jenny McCoy,
SELF,
20 Mar. 2026
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Moreover, such an action risks preventing favorable conditions for a historic dialogue between the governments of the two countries, which are both united by a desire to disarm Hezbollah and strengthen Lebanon’s state capacities.—
Asher Kaufman,
The Conversation,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
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At the same time, presidential authority has expanded to a degree that would have alarmed the framers of the American Constitution.—
Anthony Scaramucci,
Fortune,
19 Mar. 2026
-
Whether that future excites or alarms fans, the law—not nostalgia or tradition—will determine who suits up in March.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
18 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
And while fans and teammates have embraced their former nemesis, his recent streak of three goals in two games have also produced memories of past April anguish.—
Jess Myers,
Twin Cities,
21 Mar. 2026
-
Reinhart’s character, having woken up inside the ship, grapples with moments of doubt and anguish throughout the music video.—
Nicole Fell,
HollywoodReporter,
20 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Meloni initially avoided tying her image too closely to the referendum, wary of the danger that a defeat could weaken her domestically and abroad.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
23 Mar. 2026
-
Minimize the risk of heat dangers by staying cool and avoiding direct sun exposure.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
23 Mar. 2026
Verb
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In the investing space, the boss of the world’s biggest investor, Norges Bank Investment Management CEO Nicolai Tagen, told CNBC he was surprised by how muted the market action has been to the war, saying he is concerned by the long term impact of higher oil prices.—
Leonie Kidd,
CNBC,
18 Mar. 2026
-
People may have also been concerned about giving over personal data to the federal government for similar reasons, city officials said at the time.—
R. Christian Smith,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Beyond the physical pain of a torn ligament or a broken bone, a sports injury often strips a young athlete of a big part of their identity.—
Ian McMahan,
New York Times,
21 Mar. 2026
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Typically found at gas stations and smoke shops, kratom and its synthetic version, known as 7-Hydroxymitragynine or 7-OH, have been marketed as an over-the-counter aid for pain, anxiety and drug dependence.—
Matthew Rodriguez,
CBS News,
21 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
This summer’s controversy-laden men’s Fifa World Cup took on a whole new layer of jeopardy when the US, the main co-host, attacked Iran, one of the competitors.—
Harriet Marsden,
TheWeek,
18 Mar. 2026
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The latest forecast has 54 record highs in jeopardy across the Lone Star State from Thursday through Sunday.—
Mary Wasson,
Austin American Statesman,
18 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Distress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distress. Accessed 24 Mar. 2026.
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