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 the editorial notes, Chicagoans took concrete yet simple actions, such as utilizing whistles, to both deter immigration enforcement and demonstrate their fury. Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026 There cannot be a successful outcome, an 'epic fury,' if people like that are still in charge. CBS News, 10 Mar. 2026 Amid Iranian threats on vessels moving through the strait, the lack of movement from oil tankers over the weekend sent energy markets in a fury, as 20 percent of all oil consumed worldwide passes through the conduit. Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 9 Mar. 2026 But the company’s move brought fury from the White House. Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 8 Mar. 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
  • Played on the show by Sarah Pidgeon, audiences on TikTok have gone into a frenzy with appreciations and tutorials showing how to style Besette staples like a white shirt, pencil skirt, and headband.
    Valentina Bottoni, Vanity Fair, 13 Mar. 2026
  • The whirling metal blades dominate the front yard with more frenzy movements than a four-year-old rushing to the bathroom.
    Chris John Amorosino, Hartford Courant, 13 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The decision closed a flashpoint case that has bitterly divided Israel since the soldiers were arrested in 2024 at the notorious Sde Teiman military prison, prompting anger from members of the far-right government and hard-line ultranationalists who violently overran the prison in protest.
    JULIA FRANKEL THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, Arkansas Online, 13 Mar. 2026
  • At the cemetery, drug-war widows unleashed on him the full force of their anger and anguish.
    Sheila Coronel, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Investigators believe Jalloh was inspired by a 2009 shooting rampage at the Fort Hood military base in Texas, during which an Army psychiatrist killed 13 people and injured 32 others, Evans said.
    Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Bella Hadid on a rampage through the streets of Paris, zooming around on her motorcycle and facing down cops — fun!
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • When one’s sense of basic fairness is violated, indignation runs high.
    Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 9 Mar. 2026
  • The other parents joined them, one or two echoing the incredulity, a mixture of fake consternation, mild indignation, and real pride.
    Yiyun Li, New Yorker, 1 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Hoover’s books inspire obsession, rage, devotion, the kind of energy that makes people purchase limited edition copies or declare themselves her biggest haters.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 13 Mar. 2026
  • The visionary who saved rage rap from eternal Carti pastiche?
    Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 13 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The White Stripes frontman may have incurred the wrath of Swifties with his comments in a recent interview.
    Kathleen Perricone, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Mar. 2026
  • But questions swirled about if even that would survive nature’s wrath for two-and-a-half centuries.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 26 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Any proposal to increase taxes on that same November ballot — however justified — is almost certainly doomed, and might even add to the miasma of faux outrage that’s already surrounding the statewide tax cut.
    Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Mar. 2026
  • As the dust slowly settles, Democrats predict a wave of outrage, especially over the new voting restrictions.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 14 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fury.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fury. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.

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