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 There is, however, indignation among Canadian media players that mirrors the public’s feelings of betrayal and anger toward Trump’s government. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 18 Apr. 2025 As long as there’s a perception of harm, there’s a potential for outrage, because fear and moral indignation are inextricably linked. Elizabeth Kolbert, The New Yorker, 13 Jan. 2025 The Smithsonian, the vast complex of museums that millions of Americans visit every year to see Lincoln’s top hat, the Spirit of St. Louis, Harriet Tubman’s shawl, a moon rock, and Dorothy’s ruby slippers, is at the center of the executive order’s indignation. David Remnick, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2025 In a moment of feigned indignation, Sandler threatened to storm out of the ceremony, which prompted O'Brien to apologize for his attack. Edward Segarra, USA TODAY, 3 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for indignation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for indignation
Noun
  • The city councilor and over two dozen residents responded to Eureka Street after the presence of federal agents in the neighborhood sparked anger Thursday morning.
    Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 10 May 2025
  • Meanwhile, reports that the Trump administration will announce a U.S. renaming of the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Gulf would be enthusiastically welcomed by Arab states, but could draw severe anger from Iran at a time of delicate nuclear negotiations with Tehran.
    Natasha Turak, CNBC, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • The abuses have sparked outrage and fear among South Sudanese nationals and marginalized groups in Khartoum, seen as having ties to RSF, who have recruited mercenaries from South Sudan.
    Emmanuel Akinwotu, NPR, 16 May 2025
  • The deaths sparked outrage and consumed social media for months as the case unfolded.
    Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • Future In Focus Shareholder fury: Max and Jake have been sniffing out what could happen to ITV, the UK broadcaster/producer whose future has been the subject of international gossip for quite some time now.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 16 May 2025
  • That fury gained public visibility after UnitedHealthcare's top executive, Brian Thompson, was shot and killed on a Manhattan street in December.
    Maria Aspan, NPR, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • Willkie Farr & Gallagher last week became the latest law firm to strike a deal with the White House and escape President Trump’s wrath.
    Ben Protess, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
  • And Augusta National Golf Club did not escape the storm’s wrath.
    Bob Spear, Charlotte Observer, 7 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Prosecutors say Read, 45, deliberately hit O’Keefe, 46, with her Lexus SUV in a drunken rage and left him for dead in January 2022.
    N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 10 May 2025
  • So there’s a lot of rage from that, and rightfully so.
    Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 8 May 2025
Noun
  • The new month brings a fresh wave of music that spans every mood and genre—just in time to refresh your playlist.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 9 May 2025
  • However, the general mood around the club is one of confidence.
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 9 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Indignation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indignation. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on indignation

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