Definition of furynext
1
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

Relevance
2
3

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 And despite local fury from Black Democrats, there was no real consolidation among Black candidates. David Weigel, semafor.com, 18 Aug. 2026 Others at the town hall, however, expressed fury that the two remaining ranching families were now trying to upend the deal. Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 2026 Larson never concealed his fury at facing a challenger in a primary — a common occurrence in most states. Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 15 Aug. 2026 The development was met with private fury from several higher-ups at EFL clubs, with those growing club losses cited. Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fury
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fury
Noun
  • These are important tools used for both feeding and building their dens and digging for other menu items such as mice, gophers, voles and shrews.
    Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2026
  • See page 8 to order a shrew for $29, plus shipping and handling.
    Jeff Wilson, Outdoor Life, 11 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The frenzy followed Beijing’s decision in the mid-1980s to ban imports of almost all blood products – except human albumin – amid growing fears over the global HIV/AIDS crisis.
    CNN Staff, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Preece instead has embraced the frenzy of racing around his roots as a rallying point for his last-ditch charge at the Chase.
    ABC News, ABC News, 22 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Their frustrations have ranged from anger over the tax incentives offered to certain projects to NIMBY-esque aesthetic concerns about acres upon acres of solar panels.
    Kristi Swartz, AJC.com, 20 Aug. 2026
  • This recent incident has caused a great deal of anger and frustration among the Taiwanese artistic community and general public as news has circulated online widely this week.
    Vivienne Chow, ARTnews.com, 20 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The shooting came less than 10 days after a high-profile incident in Thailand, where a student went on a shooting rampage at a school on the outskirts of the capital, Bangkok.
    Reuters, NBC news, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The shooting came less than 10 days after a high-profile incident in Thailand, where a student went on a shooting rampage at a school on the outskirts of the capital Bangkok.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • On cue, China expressed indignation about anti-missile deployments.
    Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Mind you, Miss Manners agrees with your indignation at this fraudulent maneuver.
    Judith Martin, Mercury News, 21 July 2026
Noun
  • Buteau’s Coco makes off with a bit more meat on the bone, though her messy divorce, complicated relationship with her ex, and profound rage are too often leaned on as our Big!
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Symptoms range from feelings of rage or shame to thoughts of suicide.
    Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The journey by sea was treacherous, and the men who knew about the Koh-i-Noor feared the curse of the stone had turned its wrath on them.
    Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Brown gave up a quick pressure that resulted in Burrow feeling the wrath.
    Gladys Louise Tyler, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Domestic grievances and outrage over Gaza make for a potent mix, and a wave of protest comparable to the uprisings of 15 years ago could again be on the horizon.
    MARC LYNCH, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Within weeks of Porter’s death, ICE agents gunned down Renee Good and Alex Pretti in confrontations in Minneapolis, with both slayings drawing national outrage.
    James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on fury

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster