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 Nevertheless, Lakshmana enters Kishkindha in a fury and threatens to kill Sugriva. — Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026 GLP-1s touch nerve centers of US healthcare politics, from populist fury at big insurers and pharmaceutical companies to worries about government spending and a growing awareness of the toll of chronic illness. — Ben Smith, semafor.com, 29 Oct. 2026 Delegates swiftly rejected it, but the effort showed the fury Thune faced on the right. — Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026 And candidates up and down the ballot are racing to convert the electorate’s fury and frustration into votes. — Greg Bluestein, AJC.com, 26 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fury
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fury
Noun
  • In nature, larger animals, such as elephants and whales, tend to live longer than smaller animals, such as mice and shrews, Teeling says.
    — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Better still are the mountain views that surround the lake and the robust collection of wildlife that call this place home, from voles, shrews, and marmots to elk, black bears, and porcupines.
    — Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 10 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Friday’s biggest lift for the S&P 500 came from Nvidia, the chip company that’s become the face of the boom and possible bust of the AI frenzy.
    — Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Sweet treats include a new limited-time cake pop inspired by the Bearista Cold Cup, which sparked a fan frenzy during last year’s holiday merchandise drop.
    — Erin Clements, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • That anger essentially becomes Dylan’s oxygen by the end of the run.
    — Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 7 Nov. 2026
  • The plot of Godzilla Minus Zero is a whirl of characters trying to redeem themselves for their past mistakes, or feeling so much anger toward an aggressor that their own moral compasses go awry.
    — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 6 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • And as Japan rebuilds from both wartime devastation and from Godzilla’s rampage through various cities, including Tokyo, a new threat arrives from outer space—and this one can fly.
    — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Her restaurant's cameras caught a lone man on the nearly three-hour destructive rampage beginning just after midnight.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • There is no moment of indignation and no complaint to customer service.
    — Dvir Ginzburg, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Each time the answer is a concoction of equal parts indignation, defense, agitation, and defiance.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • There’s definitely a strain of rage that runs through dark comedy, which suggests the Oscar-winning director is still in touch with his inner Clash-loving firebrand.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Guilt, suffering, and justified rage all loom large in Godzilla Minus Zero, and though this is science-fiction, Yamazaki is also keyed in to the real-life underpinnings of his fictional characters’ feelings.
    — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 6 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • The rail line, operating since 1888, has always been vulnerable to the ocean’s wrath due to its location — but its beachfront property is also one of its main draws for riders seeking a scenic trip down Southern California’s iconic coast.
    — Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026
  • After wrath over the administration’s botched handling of the Epstein files, Attorney General Pam Bondi was fired in April.
    — Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 6 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • The interview stirred up outrage among rights and activist groups that were behind the uprising against al-Bashir.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 8 Nov. 2026
  • The mayor faced voter outrage over the Palisades fire, which broke out in January 2025, destroying thousands of homes and leaving 12 people dead.
    — David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 8 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fury.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fury. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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