Synonym Chooser

How does the noun indignation differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of indignation are anger, fury, ire, rage, and wrath. While all these words mean "an intense emotional state induced by displeasure," indignation stresses righteous anger at what one considers unfair, mean, or shameful.

a comment that caused general indignation

When can anger be used instead of indignation?

The synonyms anger and indignation 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

When could ire be used to replace indignation?

The words ire and indignation are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ire, more frequent in literary contexts, suggests an intense anger, often with an evident display of feeling.

cheeks flushed with ire

How are the words rage and fury related as synonyms of indignation?

Both rage and fury suggest loss of self-control from violence of emotion.

shook with rage
could not contain his fury

When is it sensible to use wrath instead of indignation?

While the synonyms wrath and indignation are close in meaning, 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 indignation Vice Mayor Rob Long sees it differently, expressing indignation in response to the state’s demands. Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2025 Chase resigned in indignation and took refuge at the League. Anne Halsey, JSTOR Daily, 6 Aug. 2025 At the heart of Nugent’s indignation was the 2021 sting operation that entangled him and three other landowners in a legal battle with the DNR. Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 30 July 2025 Claiming persecution becomes more believable when it is coupled with the righteous indignation of the wronged. Lubna Zeidan, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for indignation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for indignation
Noun
  • In the wake of a transfer deadline that brought anger and worry from many supporters, the Wolves chairman gave an interview of more than half an hour to the club’s in-house television channel.
    Steve Madeley, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Others echo the same sentiment, stressing that his anger is more than understandable.
    Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Trump was made aware of the incident on Sunday and expressed outrage in a speech on Monday.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Additionally, where is the outrage from the Mainstream Media on this horrible tragedy?
    Khaleda Rahman Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Implementing the necessary security measures for his arrival meant that the game was delayed by almost an hour—sparking fury among those waiting to be let in to the stadium.
    Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
  • It’s set in a small-town community in upstate New York, where the long-gray-haired and bearded Monsignor Jefferson Wicks (Josh Brolin) is the contempo version of a fire-and-brimstone cult leader, preaching fury in the form of piety.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 7 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The New York Yankees are suddenly the hottest team in the American League, and the Chicago White Sox have become the latest team to feel their wrath.
    Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Aug. 2025
  • Some people work out at the gym, while others start doomscrolling, meanwhile, those with competing priorities and tight deadlines often raise their voices at those who don't deserve your wrath.
    Dr. Cynthia J. Young, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • At least 19 people died in protests in Nepal’s capital and other cities, after rage over a social-media shutdown and corruption led to violent clashes between the police and young demonstrators.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Genius dazzles down the ages, but so do fits of rage.
    Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • These issues ranged from academic difficulties and disruptive behaviors to depressive moods.
    Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
  • The film’s all-Palestinian cast — including Motaz Malhees, Clara Khoury and Amer Hlehel — spoke in Venice of the emotionally wrenching mood throughout production.
    Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Indignation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indignation. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on indignation

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