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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of distress
Julia Marnin, Miami Herald, 15 May 2025
In another sign of the Army’s distress, recruiters have begun advertising unfilled positions online.
—Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 14 May 2025
Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
This gorgeous option has distressed floral medallions that look lived-in for vintage charm, all without a steep price point.
—Clara McMahon, People.com, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for distress
Noun
The 17-year-old’s lawsuit seeks more than $250,000 in damages and demands a jury trial on claims of negligent infliction of emotional distress, state and federal RICO violations and more.
—Julia Marnin, Miami Herald, 15 May 2025
In another sign of the Army’s distress, recruiters have begun advertising unfilled positions online.
—Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 14 May 2025
Verb
Grandin is distressed by the resurgence today of reactionary impulses in the United States.
—Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
This gorgeous option has distressed floral medallions that look lived-in for vintage charm, all without a steep price point.
—Clara McMahon, People.com, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for distress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distress
Noun
-
In video of the attack released by police at the time, she can be heard screaming in agony.—
Roni Jacobson,
New York Daily News,
9 May 2025
-
Dropping dramatically to the floor, Busquets writhed in agony and Motta was duly sent off.—
Conor O'Neill,
New York Times,
29 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
There was also a high risk of severe weather issued the afternoon of Sunday, May 18 for parts of Oklahoma and Kansas.—
Julia Gomez,
USA Today,
19 May 2025
-
Due to the risk of flooding, hail, and tornadoes, the NWS had to seek help from other offices.—
Joe Edwards,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 May 2025
Verb
-
Democrats and some Republicans are also alarmed over the ethics of accepting such an expensive gift from a foreign country.—
Jeremy Bogaisky,
Forbes.com,
14 May 2025
-
The rapid expansion of the Camp House Fire, Jenkins Creek Fire and Munger Shaw Fire has alarmed officials.—
Anna Skinner,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 May 2025
Noun
-
The experiment of pairing Antetokounmpo with Damian Lillard ended in anguish when Lillard tore his Achilles during the first round of the playoffs.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
7 May 2025
-
Without that, the Sinaloa cartel are likely to remain a prominent, wealthy force — and more families will feel anguish like that of Vivian Aispuro’s family.—
Isobel Yeung,
CNN Money,
2 May 2025
Noun
-
Warn your audience about the dangers, the perpetrators and what to look out for.—
Lauren Crystal,
Forbes.com,
9 May 2025
-
The spring mating season, when water temperatures rise, can heighten the danger.—
Soo Kim,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 May 2025
Verb
-
All of these trends are concerning for a soon-to-be-32-year-old pitcher in the second season of a seven-year, $172 million contract.—
Matt Gelb,
New York Times,
15 May 2025
-
Its dual narrative concerns a set of perverse medical experiments about human consciousness performed in an early-20th-century Argentine sanitorium and, a century later, an outsider artist who carries forth the legacy of these trials in grotesque ways.—
The Atlantic,
The Atlantic,
15 May 2025
Noun
-
Symptoms like inflammation, joint pain, and stiffness are an inevitable part of aging.—
Health,
Health,
20 May 2025
-
Contributor Aging often comes with unwelcome changes, like joint stiffness, nerve pain, sleepless nights, and slowed recovery.—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
20 May 2025
Noun
-
Now, Tatum's status for the potential series clincher for New York appears to be in serious jeopardy.—
Noah Camras,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 May 2025
-
Chelsea’s chances of qualifying for the Champions League via a top-five finish are certainly now in serious jeopardy following Sunday’s 2-0 defeat at St James’ Park.—
Simon Johnson,
New York Times,
13 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Distress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distress. Accessed 25 May. 2025.
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