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 The Austrian government responded with indignation, claiming that the Americans had given them no notice. Henry Leutwyler Robert Petkoff Emma Kehlbeck Quinton Kamara, New York Times, 20 May 2025 On these papers, Vladimir Putin is called every terrible name in the book, Europe’s indignation at full throat. Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025 His carelessness of practical things caused him to be cheated and defrauded frequently, to the indignation of his wife especially; but the gentleness of his forgiveness of a wrong was trying sometimes. John Jeremiah Sullivan, Harpers Magazine, 29 Apr. 2025 Ignore the predictable indignation: Kennedy deserves credit for his candor on this one. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for indignation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for indignation
Noun
  • Though Trump is backing away from Putin in public, he’s never specifically projected anger about the paused weapons for Ukraine.
    Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 9 July 2025
  • His work showed that emotions like anger, fear, joy, and sadness appear on our faces in the same way across cultures.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • Guzman-Feliz’s death sparked widespread outrage and calls for justice, with the hashtag #JusticeForJunior gaining traction across social media and prompting citywide demonstrations and tributes.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 30 June 2025
  • Although the men have reached the legal age of consent, outrage has ensued.
    Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • The tough conditions at Oakmont Country Club, in Pennsylvania, have some of the best golfers reeling this week in golf’s toughest test of the year, but Clark allegedly unleashed his fury on the lockers in the famed clubhouse.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 15 June 2025
  • Lawrence of Arabia When our band of heroes crash land on a desert moon, there are several shots of them succumbing to the fury of the hot weather.
    Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 14 June 2025
Noun
  • Arriving in 2014 – after earning the wrath of the Egyptian government for covering the Arab Spring as a freelance journalist – one of Greater Cincinnati’s newest immigration detainees has lived in Oregon, Chicago and Cincinnati.
    Patricia Gallagher Newberry, The Enquirer, 11 July 2025
  • Democrats weren’t the only ones to feel the wrath of Minaj on Tuesday.
    Michael Saponara, Billboard, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • Some parents remember when tanning beds were all the rage and this trend is pretty similar.
    Annabelle Canela, Parents, 8 July 2025
  • And if this year's World's Best Awards winners are any indication, refined retreats are all the rage—especially those that give guests direct access to America's most stunning landscapes.
    Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • In the early mornings, before witness testimony started, the mood was usually pretty jovial on the 26th floor.
    Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 9 July 2025
  • Spruce yours up with shelving for your plants, lighting to set the mood outside, and cooling accessories to keep you comfortable in the dead heat of summer.
    Blake Bakkila, Architectural Digest, 9 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Indignation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indignation. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on indignation

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