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 Explore See latest videos, charts and news The rocker, wearing a cap and aviator glasses, was joined with a full band and backing vocalists for a protest song that drips in fury and anger. — Lars Brandle, Billboard, 30 Sep. 2026 The most potent force in American politics is anti-establishment fury at a system seen as rigged against average working people. — Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 24 Sep. 2026 Continue reading … -- POLITICS BALLOT BOX DIVIDE — El-Sayed’s Jewish outreach ignites ‘tokenism’ fury as Michigan GOP chair makes bold prediction. — FOXNews.com, 22 Sep. 2026 The pieces themselves are quite powerful, involving bits and bobs of righteous fury and vigilante justice, but they’re rarely strung together with the requisite rhythm. — Siddhant Adlakha, IndieWire, 21 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fury
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fury
Noun
  • 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
  • And unlike voles and other plant-eating garden visitors, shrews rarely damage plants, roots, or bulbs.
    — Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 15 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Concerns also remain that their prices shot too high following a yearslong frenzy, even though companies in the industry continue to report growth.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Stocks that have benefited from the frenzy over AI have been swinging over rising worries about their path ahead.
    — Damian J. Troise, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Recently, anger at this collateral damage, heightened by the fish shortage, has evolved into a political movement.
    — Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Medicaid reimbursement rate cuts anger foster care advocates and lawmakers.
    — Adam Beam, AJC.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • They were credited with stopping the rampage and saving many people’s lives.
    — Martha Bellisle, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • They were credited with stopping the rampage and saving many people's lives.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Like its first season, season two of The Lowdown follows Ethan Hawke as Lee Raybon, a freelance journalist and bookstore owner in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with a nose for trouble and a hefty dose of quixotic, self-righteous moral indignation.
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Along with his signature rapid-fire, garrulous dialogue, Sorkin’s tendency for self-righteous indignation is very much in evidence.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Platte County prosecutors have charged Brian David Martin with first-degree involuntary manslaughter, second-degree assault and two counts of armed criminal action in what appears to be a road-rage incident that ended in a fatal crash.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 20 Oct. 2026
  • The hackneyed ruminations on feminine style are punctured by an image of violent female rage.
    — Leslie Camhi, New Yorker, 16 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • While Brian rode off to war, Ellen reluctantly returned to Leoch, fully aware of the wrath awaiting her from Colum in particular.
    — Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026
  • None of these companies want to incur the wrath of this very vengeful president.
    — Nilay Patel, The Verge, 5 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • And so The Devils remains a movie out of time, a masterpiece and an outrage.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The incident sparked public outrage and prompted the Police Department to launch an internal investigation.
    — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fury.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fury. Accessed 25 Oct. 2026.

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