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 online fury comes as Gibson and Lionsgate prepare to release the two-parter The Resurrection of Christ. Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 31 Aug. 2026 Citizen, published two months after Brown’s killing, seemed to channel that righteous fury. Charles Finch, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026 Professional dancer Giovanni Pernice has vented his fury at the BBC over its handling of his Strictly Come Dancing exit following a clash with Sherlock star Amanda Abbington. Jake Kanter, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2026 Let Jimmy and Dee Haslam, the managing and principal partners of the mess in Cleveland, hear the hissing and feel all of this fury. Candace Buckner, New York Times, 25 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
  • News that Adele won the show was announced on Monday, and two days later, the full cast of celebrities and pros was revealed, sending the Dancing fandom into a frenzy.
    McKinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2026
  • So when Trader Joe’s dropped a similar formula at a fraction of the cost, skincare enthusiasts went into a bit of a frenzy.
    Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 4 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • As a result, water is often scarce, and small protests have erupted, despite the fear of being detained, as anger and frustration boil over.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Hundreds of protesters rallied outside Israel’s embassy in Bangkok, demanding that foreign visitors — especially Israelis — stop flouting Thai laws and customs as anger over tourist misconduct spills into the streets.
    Jintamas Saksornchai, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Their killer has been identified as Ousman Ceesay, 44, who police say died by suicide after carrying out the rampage.
    Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Revenge about a bear that goes on the rampage in Yellowstone National Park.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 2 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Cancer Rising September begins with you very much waking up on the wrong side of the bed, but your indignation might just be the thing that saves you in the end.
    Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Aug. 2026
  • On cue, China expressed indignation about anti-missile deployments.
    Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Related 'Ask Us Anything' Stories Do rage workouts really help to blow off steam?
    Jennifer Byrne, Popular Science, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Once the two men start working together, the combination of Ploughman’s crushing grief and Tyler’s populist rage illustrates the two factors that shaped the revolt.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 9 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Some religious scholars in Saudi Arabia have preached against developing the area, claiming that its former inhabitants were struck down by the wrath of God.
    Ruby Tandoh, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026
  • But within this storytelling paradigm, Adnani imbues each scene with a dramatic wrath bubbling just beneath the surface.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The public outrage over data centers, which the Post said has inspired 375 bills in state legislatures so far, embodies a concern far beyond their voracious demands for land, electricity and water.
    Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Sep. 2026
  • The league did this because its leadership became more sensitive to fan and media outrage.
    Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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