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 The full force and fury of the federal government had landed on Minnesota. Jennifer Brooks, Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2026 That image has contributed to the fury around data center expansion across political lines. Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 7 Jan. 2026 By contrast, Eugenia condemns herself to a future of festering tension and fury. Rachel Vorona Cote, The Atlantic, 5 Jan. 2026 The Utah transfer’s long-range bucket sparked a fury of offensive firepower – the Bruins ended the second quarter on a 16-2 run to lead the Trojans (10-4, 2-1) by 15 points at halftime. Benjamin Royer, Daily News, 4 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fury
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fury
Noun
  • She was indicted in the first Trump administration, and undoubtedly would have been convicted, just as the shrew judge in Milwaukee was last week for doing the exact same thing.
    Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 24 Dec. 2025
  • The godfather-like arctic shrew Mr. Big is back, as is Flash, the sloth, both ready to help at just the right moment.
    Peter Debruge, Variety, 25 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • This fact is why the tax- and fee-hike frenzy of the past year won’t ebb any time soon.
    U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Jan. 2026
  • In an age when polarized politics have whipped extremists into a frenzy and disagreeing with someone’s views justifies physical assault among fringe elements, the assault on Omar is a new abysmal milestone of societal degradation.
    Boston Herald editorial staff, Boston Herald, 29 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • In metro Phoenix, people are speaking out against Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions — in anger, in defiance, in frustration and fear.
    Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Inevitably, Big Ant soon comes crashing back down to Earth and the swirl of anger and sorrow that await him there; inevitably, Lil Ant and Lozita are forced to face his unhappiness, and figure out how to react.
    Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 30 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • At that time, officials from the San Jose Police Department described the injury to the sergeant and how officers subsequently shot, then ran over Husien to end his rampage.
    Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 28 Jan. 2026
  • Kanye West, now known as Ye, has taken out an ad in The Wall Street Journal to plead for forgiveness after his antisemitic rampage in 2025.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 26 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • His indignation was not sugar coated.
    Essence, Essence, 20 Jan. 2026
  • Struber laughs at their polite indignation.
    Stuart James, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Tall Shaft Boots Knee-high boots were all the rage back in 2016, and the stylish trend happens to still be well-suited for winter travel this year—depending on your selection, that is.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 31 Jan. 2026
  • The demonstration was marked by intense emotion, with rage, frustration and grief reflected in signs and chants calling for accountability and change.
    Jasmine Arenas, CBS News, 31 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • And farther north along Gleason Beach in Sonoma County, rapid erosion finally forced officials in 2020 to move a section of the road inland, to further avoid the ocean’s wrath.
    Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2026
  • The mood in the crowd was widespread anger and sadness — recalling the same outpour of wrath that shook the city for weeks after the killing of George Floyd in 2020, although without the widespread rioting that had occurred then.
    Jack Brook, Twin Cities, 25 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Liam’s detention became another flashpoint in the criticism over heavy-handed immigration enforcement tactics used by the feds and fueled mounting outrage from community members and officials alike.
    Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 1 Feb. 2026
  • The case drew widespread outrage after an image of Ramos — wearing a blue hat and a backpack as he was being taken into custody by immigration authorities — went viral online.
    Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 31 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fury.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fury. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

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