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 Rhys, long an expert at instilling indignation with soulful sentiment, gets pushed further here. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 29 Apr. 2026 Racing’s indignation over that, as well as that of anger in the general public, prompted the formation by Congress of a bill that would ban the slaughter of horses in the United States. Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2026 Both are completely honest without fear of escalation or indignation. Mark Travers, CNBC, 19 Apr. 2026 Surely there was something more beneath all this mild pleasantness, some edge of resentment, a few shards of indignation on the brink of cutting through. Literary Hub, 1 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for indignation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for indignation
Noun
  • Death is often a flash point for communal anger.
    Gabrielle Emanuel, NPR, 29 May 2026
  • Lemieux was known for diving on the ice, embellishments that drew the anger of opponents, Farber said, and often his own teammates.
    Dan Robson, New York Times, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • The close proximity of the plant to homes and schools led to widespread outrage and now dozens of lawsuits after residents were displaced for days.
    Jason Henry, Oc Register, 30 May 2026
  • Williams’ ruling could reignite a case that has roiled Washington, where the deal arranged between the president, Internal Revenue Service and Department of Justice has been met with bipartisan outrage and questions about how the president could sue and settle with his own administration.
    Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 30 May 2026
Noun
  • Regardless, there’s a clear symbolism to Clark empathizing and embracing a bloated externalization of his own inchoate fury until someone with an outside perspective disturbs his peace, and that fury breaks loose and devours him.
    Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 29 May 2026
  • Sarcastic fury on his past albums used to be paired with a sense of playful discovery, like the new wave synths mixed with punishing bass on All My Heroes Are Cornballs or the SP-404-shredding beats that powered his Danny Brown collaboration Scaring The Hoes.
    Dylan Green, Pitchfork, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • Backup Spurs center Luke Kornet’s minutes have offered an opening this series — mostly a break from Wembanyama’s wrath.
    Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 29 May 2026
  • There are the victims, their families, and lives left shattered because of a single person’s vicious wrath.
    Boston Herald editorial staff, Boston Herald, 20 May 2026
Noun
  • And flatter structures are all the rage right now.
    Claire Zillman, Fortune, 30 May 2026
  • The laughter stops immediately, and a familiar look of bubbling rage returns to Ruben’s eyes.
    Barry Levitt, Time, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • Expect smart, mood-setting lighting within easy reach of the bed, neon accents that frame the W’s famously comfortable bed, a tech-forward setup that feels intuitive, and lightning-fast Wi-Fi.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • Its design mirrors the user’s mood to keep the conversation flowing.
    Hansa Bhargava, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Indignation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indignation. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.

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