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
  • 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
  • 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
Noun
  • But what’s especially interesting is the intensity with which Chad Powers approaches Gerry’s fury and eccentricities.
    Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Ezra Acayan / Getty Images Children in Nuwakot and ​Rasuwa areas are increasingly showing signs of psychological distress after witnessing the fury of the flood last week, international charity Save the Children said in a statement.
    Reuters, NBC news, 2 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
  • 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
  • Still, with new coach Mike Babcock on board and two of the best players in the NHL to lead the way, fans are in a generally good mood.
    Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • The plant contains mescaline, a psychoactive compound that alters perception and mood, sharpening the senses and amplifying feelings of empathy and connection.
    Pardis Mahdavi, The Conversation, 8 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Indignation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indignation. Accessed 16 Sep. 2026.

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