Definition of indignationnext

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 My own work is on the fringes of the genre, where pride verges on indignation. Lo Patrick, PEOPLE, 14 July 2026 Advertisements extending beyond traditional commercial breaks to include live presenter endorsements and real-time odds promotions have sparked a fresh wave of indignation, with politicians across the political spectrum calling for tighter controls. ABC News, 3 July 2026 The video went viral, encapsulating the prevalent mood of indignation about official nonaction. Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026 He was deservedly sent off after a reckless foul on Pau Cubarsi, before grabbing the referee’s arm and tossing it to the side in indignation. Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 28 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for indignation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for indignation
Noun
  • Lee’s film is motivated less by anger and more by curiosity, compassion and a general confusion, as no one quite knows how to behave or feel or just be.
    Joshua Rothkopf, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026
  • In politics—according to Berman and, by extension, Longwell—the most convincing arguments play to love, sympathy, greed, fear, and anger.
    Isaac Arnsdorf, New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • But if the decision — and, by then, Sheeran’s response to it — has ignited outrage online, there was little of it to be found inside the stadium.
    Anna Tingley, Variety, 20 Sep. 2026
  • The assault inspired worldwide outrage; the International Court of Justice demanded an immediate halt.
    Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • So then and now, whether a female serial killer has no reason or good reason to commit murder, the patriarchy is desperate to punish her; to put her back in her place; to bury her in her own fury.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The film follows its hero from fens to road and road to London, then London toward the forest—as private grief grows into collective fury and fury reaches the gates of power.
    JP Mangalindan, Time, 11 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
  • Right now, sensory toys are all the rage, so consider adding these $7 squishy toys to your cart.
    Anja Webb, Parents, 15 Sep. 2026
  • This was right in the peak of Elon Musk’s reconstruction of Twitter, privileging rage bait and engagement tactics that helped misinformation disseminate like fact.
    Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 14 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • That tracks with the broader hair mood of 2026, which has shifted toward polish with a more personalized finish.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 20 Sep. 2026
  • One more try and the orchestra slides up the expressive contrast a few notches to intensify the feeling of lurching from mood to mood.
    Justin Davidson, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Indignation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indignation. Accessed 23 Sep. 2026.

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