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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of distress
Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 4 Aug. 2025
In the first trailer for white-knuckle thriller The Lost Bus, a wayward bus driver (Matthew McConaughey) answers a distress call for a classroom of kids trapped in Ponderosa Elementary School.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 29 July 2025
Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 28 June 2025
They will be distressed that the vaunted atomic program that cost billions of dollars is now in ruins.
—Eric Edelman, Foreign Affairs, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for distress
Noun
There would be exclusions for communities facing low demand, economic distress, natural disasters and other extenuating circumstances.
—Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 4 Aug. 2025
In the first trailer for white-knuckle thriller The Lost Bus, a wayward bus driver (Matthew McConaughey) answers a distress call for a classroom of kids trapped in Ponderosa Elementary School.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 29 July 2025
Verb
Readers gravitate to distressing news about stocks.
—Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 28 June 2025
They will be distressed that the vaunted atomic program that cost billions of dollars is now in ruins.
—Eric Edelman, Foreign Affairs, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for distress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distress
Noun
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For many, the relationship with tequila ended in their early 20s with promises made to some dormitory deity — often made of porcelain — to end a miserable night’s agony.—
Todd Harmonson,
Oc Register,
4 Aug. 2025
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My wing-scarfing strategy was to plow through as many as possible before the agony set in, then survive the remainder without committing the day-ruining error of touching my eyes.—
Bradley Hohulin,
IndyStar,
2 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The study also found that swapping potatoes for whole grains lowered diabetes risk even more.—
Sarah Garone,
Health,
8 Aug. 2025
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And yet, many still choose to take the risk to come to this country in search of safety and opportunity.—
Sam Wolson,
New Yorker,
7 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Ford put on a blood pressure cuff and was alarmed at the results: 151 over 115, with a heartrate of 171.—
Jen Reeder,
Forbes.com,
6 Aug. 2025
-
The decision has alarmed some of Trump's current and former allies in the GOP.—
Micah McCartney
John Feng,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
As the hours pass, the anguish of the families and their fellow miners has increased.—
Cristopher Ulloa,
CNN Money,
2 Aug. 2025
-
The passage of time may increase the anguish of self-examination, but the search for truth is always worth the cost.—
Gary Knight,
Rolling Stone,
1 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The real danger is the undermining of one of the last great advantages the United States had over many of its competitors: policy stability.—
Andrew Leahey,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
-
Removing and dismantling someone’s RV takes away their shelter from wind, rain and the dangers of the street, as well as their ability to store water and cook food.—
Sean Geary,
Mercury News,
13 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
On the back of that victory, players recently filed a class action lawsuit against FIFA concerning its rules on player movement.—
Chris Deubert,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
-
The cloud, resisted a decade ago by fashion executives concerned about ensuring IP secrecy, is now essential.—
Rhonda Richford,
Footwear News,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Recognizing the distinction between mechanical tightness and protective tension is crucial for anyone experiencing chronic stiffness, recurring pain or short-term mobility gains that just won’t stick.—
Dana Santas,
CNN Money,
12 Aug. 2025
-
Create an escalation path and stick to it: PCP first for routine or chronic issues; urgent care for same-day but moderate problems; telehealth for quick guidance on straightforward stuff (rashes, mild colds); ER only for the big, scary, time-sensitive events like chest pain or stroke symptoms.—
John Samuels,
Forbes.com,
12 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Seven universities have been explicitly notified that their funding is in serious jeopardy or have already faced punitive cuts, according to The New York Times, which reported that Harvard University faces approximately $9 billion at stake and has received a list of federal demands.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 July 2025
-
One immediate jeopardy incident did result in a punishment, but only because the hospital was in California, which allows its health department to issue penalties.—
Kff Health News,
Oc Register,
17 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Distress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distress. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
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