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 When one’s sense of basic fairness is violated, indignation runs high. Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 9 Mar. 2026 The other parents joined them, one or two echoing the incredulity, a mixture of fake consternation, mild indignation, and real pride. Yiyun Li, New Yorker, 1 Mar. 2026 The crosswalk’s removal sparked indignation in Celeste Padilla, who lives nearby. Alex Driggars, Austin American Statesman, 25 Feb. 2026 The indignation, understandably, began to grow. Greg O'Keeffe, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for indignation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for indignation
Noun
  • National media stories appear almost daily about taxpayers’ anger over ever increasing levies on their homes.
    Jon Coupal, Oc Register, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Iannarelli discussed how threatening individuals often escalate their anger verbally.
    Evonne Andris, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Yet session after session, the result has been the same — agencies receive their annual appropriations, public outrage over long security lines and flight delays fades, legislation languishes and workers have no guarantees their paychecks won't stop coming again.
    ABC News, ABC News, 28 Mar. 2026
  • No amount of outrageousness can mask the outrage.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 28 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • But while both Horvath and Heilman backed the compromise struck with Bass, many residents and public transit advocates expressed fury at the amendment.
    National Correspondent, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Intense fury over Jackson County property assessments.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 25 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • My refusal to accept his drinking has led him to cast his wrath upon me on occasion.
    R. Eric Thomas, Washington Post, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Mullin will also face congressional Democrats’ wrath as lawmakers on Capitol Hill have already begun to investigate DHS for the massive contracts to individuals and companies that were inexperienced, had connections to Noem’s staff, or contained other irregularities.
    Anna Giaritelli, The Washington Examiner, 27 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • That rage drove her away from King’s politics of nonviolence and toward a more militant ideology.
    Zayd Ayers Dohrn, New Yorker, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Curled, effortless updos have been all the rage lately, from Kerry Washington and LaTanya Richardson Jackson to Olandria Carthen.
    Essence, Essence, 26 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • In a high-rise, that kind of continuous great-room footprint can matter as much as the finishes —especially when the view is expected to carry the mood of the space.
    David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Floorboards and beige walls didn’t do much to set the mood, but they were beautifully accompanied by period furniture and lamps, that kept the post-war vibe the rest of the hotel basks in.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Indignation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indignation. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

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