incensing 1 of 4

adjective

as in infuriating

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incensing

2 of 4

noun

as in indignation

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incensing

3 of 4

verb (1)

present participle of incense
as in angering
to make angry the insult so incensed him that he had to be restrained from hitting the guy

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incensing

4 of 4

verb (2)

present participle of incense
as in scenting
to fill or infuse with a pleasant odor or odor-releasing substance the gift shop was heavily incensed with a cloying mixture of herbal essences

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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 incensing
Verb
On the other hand, the Department of Justice redacted the names of several people who are not survivors -- incensing not only members of Congress but also survivors of Epstein's crimes who charge that the administration is engaged in a cover-up. — John Parkinson, ABC News, 4 Mar. 2026 Amid the crackdown, Renee Good, 37, and Alex Pretti, 37, were both shot and killed by federal immigration authorities in separate confrontations, incensing large swaths of the nation. — Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 30 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incensing
  1. infuriating
  2. indignation
  3. angering
  4. scenting
  5. provoking
  6. ire
  7. enraging
  8. perfuming
Adjective
  • The episode is unfortunately timely, amid the infuriating story of the Cornell 7, the name coined online for the seven male students at Cornell University who are accused of drugging and gang raping a female classmate in October 2024.
    — Emily Longeretta, Variety, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Even the characters involved in the season’s intriguing, yet infuriating, cliffhanger ending have justifications for their schemes.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of infuriating
Noun
  • 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
  • But a new wave of indignation swept Spain when Abascal, who uses a wheelchair, was carried on a stretcher from her apartment after police cordoned off the street.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of indignation
Verb
  • The widespread use of arrests, tear gas and riot-control weapons against teenagers is fueling defiance and angering some parents and teachers.
    — NICOLAS GARRIGA, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Spain is hard-hit due to small rental market The housing crunch has been simmering for years in Spain, eating into household budgets and angering voters.
    — Joseph Wilson, Chicago Tribune, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of angering
Verb
  • Our essential oil diffuser, nebulizer, and basket full of oils have been happily taken in by my mother-in-law, and are now scenting her living and guest room.
    — The Spruce, The Spruce, 14 Sep. 2026
  • The point is simply to have fun tapping into senses and dimensions, whether scenting love notes or entire honeymoon suites.
    — Arden Fanning Andrews, Vogue, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of scenting
Adjective
  • Straker, the foul-mouthed, Daily Mail–provoking British chef, has made his way stateside.
    — Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Read Cep’s Profile of Kingsolver » Our editors and critics choose the most captivating, notable, brilliant, surprising, absorbing, weird, thought-provoking, and talked-about books.
    — Casey Cep, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of provoking
Noun
  • Indian tycoon Mukesh Ambani, whose plans to launch satellite communications and dominance over the Indian telecom market have drawn the ire of Elon Musk last week, has a more pressing worry.
    — Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Because Todd’s wondering aloud to Kate about the degree and nature of Grace and Hal’s bond prompted Kate’s own concern, Todd is next to be on the receiving end of Grace’s righteous ire.
    — Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of ire
Verb
  • The administration removed hundreds of trees from the East Potomac Golf Links over the weekend, enraging the judge.
    — Julia Boehning, The Hill, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Unbearably painful and enraging for the one, surely pretty darn awkward for the other.
    — Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of enraging
Verb
  • Castellón To the north, Castellón unfolds as a mountainous marvel where medieval citadels, golden beaches, and tiny fishing villages create a landscape of contrasts, with the scent of citrus perfuming the air.
    — Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Butterflies are drawn to the small, white flowers that cover plants in spring, perfuming the garden with their sweet fragrance.
    — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 24 July 2026
Definition of perfuming

Browse Nearby Words

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incensing
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Cite this Entry

“Incensing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incensing. Accessed 17 Oct. 2026.

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