Definition of furynext
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as in shrew
a bad-tempered scolding woman tradition has it that Socrates' wife was such a fury that the philosopher's death sentence by the authorities was not an entirely unwelcome fate

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun fury differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of fury are anger, indignation, ire, rage, and wrath. While all these words mean "an intense emotional state induced by displeasure," rage and fury suggest loss of self-control from violence of emotion.

shook with rage
could not contain his fury

When might anger be a better fit than fury?

The synonyms anger and fury are sometimes interchangeable, but anger, the most general term, names the reaction but by itself does not convey cause or intensity.

tried to hide his anger

In what contexts can indignation take the place of fury?

The words indignation and fury are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, indignation stresses righteous anger at what one considers unfair, mean, or shameful.

a comment that caused general indignation

When is it sensible to use ire instead of fury?

The meanings of ire and fury largely overlap; however, ire, more frequent in literary contexts, suggests an intense anger, often with an evident display of feeling.

cheeks flushed with ire

When would wrath be a good substitute for fury?

In some situations, the words wrath and fury are roughly equivalent. However, wrath is likely to suggest a desire or intent to punish or get revenge.

I feared her wrath if I was discovered

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 fury As their mutual competitiveness grows shockingly ugly, Niall learns to turn Ruben’s Samsonian strength and fury against him, knocking down the pillars of Ruben’s own life. Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2026 The video circulated rapidly on social media, sparking fury as at least two White victims were pummeled into the ground by a group of Black suspects. Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2026 The decisions followed little briefing and no oral arguments, prompting fury from even some of the court’s own justices. Ella Lee, The Hill, 22 Apr. 2026 Yet the band was undeniably a step behind the surge of fire and fury a few years previous, and struggled to garner the same plaudits as some of its peers. Dean Van Nguyen, Pitchfork, 22 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fury
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fury
Noun
  • See page 8 to order a shrew for $29, plus shipping and handling.
    Jeff Wilson, Outdoor Life, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Because for the most part, Caroline comes off as a rigid uptight shrew.
    Lisa DePaulo, HollywoodReporter, 27 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • While valuations for household-name series IP have come down to earth a bit since the frenzy around Friends, South Park and The Office during the streaming explosion several years ago, The Walking Dead rights will surely fetch several hundred million dollars.
    Dade Hayes, Deadline, 8 May 2026
  • But there's a nostalgic and unexpected appeal to the bustling frenzy of a flea market.
    Heather Bien, Southern Living, 8 May 2026
Noun
  • The family’s anger has subsided some since the baby’s death, in part because of their trust in God’s plan.
    Duaa Eldeib, CNN Money, 8 May 2026
  • The Nuggets need more athleticism, more length, more anger, more hunger.
    Troy Renck, Denver Post, 8 May 2026
Noun
  • Hours after the terrifying rampage, a similar fatal incident took place at Koodalminikyam Temple in Irinjalakuda when an elephant that had shown signs of restlessness during a ritual procession the night before broke out of its enclosure and attacked its handlers, per News Karnataka.
    Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 3 May 2026
  • The above breaks trends that began with Norris’ upset 2024 Miami Grand Prix win that broke the Invincible Verstappen rampage.
    David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Where is the indignation about this from politicians, community leaders and clergy?
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 4 May 2026
  • Rhys, long an expert at instilling indignation with soulful sentiment, gets pushed further here.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 29 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • But ahead of that, the charismatic actor sat down with Vogue to discuss career coincidences, onscreen rage, and growing up in Harlem.
    Juan A. Ramírez, Vogue, 8 May 2026
  • Analog operation With retro all the rage, analog alarm clocks have gone from antique to chic.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 8 May 2026
Noun
  • Or risk the wrath of being on the wrong side.
    Dallas Morning News, Dallas Morning News, 7 Apr. 2026
  • The immediate object of Uthmeier’s wrath is the Rooney Rule, voluntarily adopted more than two decades ago by the NFL to ensure that minority candidates are interviewed for coaching positions.
    Howard L. Simon, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • And after a number of the governor’s Jewish supporters expressed outrage over his antisemitic remarks.
    Scott Maxwell, Sun Sentinel, 9 May 2026
  • The House galleries erupted in screams, chants, sirens, and outrage as the vote was taken.
    Terry Collins, USA Today, 8 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fury.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fury. Accessed 10 May. 2026.

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