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 Passions run as high as style, and candor and fervor blend with humor, to endow anecdotes and reflections with pride and purpose along with mourning and indignation. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 23 Sep. 2025 And rather than indignation or rage or fury, what comes through in the letters is his sheer amazement at being in this predicament. Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 10 Sep. 2025 But reacting with indignation has not been an option for Lee. Karina Tsui, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025 When big gatherings of police and federal agents suddenly show up in residential areas, crowds often meet them with cell phone cameras, righteous indignation and insults. Daniel C. Vock, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for indignation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for indignation
Noun
  • Reactions to the extraordinary news spread quickly, ranging from surprise to anger at the league itself, according to five people who work inside or closely with the NBA, all of whom were granted anonymity because they were not permitted to speak publicly about the matter.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Is that your way of expressing the anger and exhaustion that so many people feel in the country right now?
    Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 23 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The White House for now, perhaps less of an institution and more of a content studio, has big personality and bigger outrage.
    Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 27 Oct. 2025
  • American fired its former CCO, Vasu Raja, last year after his business-travel strategy backfired and sparked outrage from travel agencies.
    Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In a fit of fury, Canio vows to discover his wife Nedda’s secret and take revenge.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Oct. 2025
  • To avoid his quiet fury, Muhammad learned to stay silent.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Melissa’s extreme threats Jamaica and Haiti are expected to feel the worst of Melissa’s wrath in the coming days, but surrounding countries cannot let their guards down.
    Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2025
  • This disease shall hold me back no longer, the world will know my wrath.
    Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Her voice unleashes a sentimental whirlpool of longing, betrayal, and post-breakup rage without a hint of irony.
    Ernesto Lechner, Rolling Stone, 27 Oct. 2025
  • According to Pearson, patterns like diagonal tile were once all the rage, adding flair and visual interest.
    Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 27 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The tumult of the window and the team’s start to the season exacerbated the mood.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • From chocolate brown for a subtle upgrade to neutrals, to burgundy and olive green for an instant pop of color, there’s a shade (or two…or eight) for every mood and itinerary.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 22 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Indignation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indignation. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on indignation

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