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 All summer long a sense of indignation has brewed and bubbled on Tyneside. Oliver Kay, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2025 As the container of our culture’s internal contradictions, including dogmatism and pragmatism, individualism and communitarianism, and Biercean indignation and Emersonian transcendence, hardcore is as American as atomic warfare. Chris R. Morgan, The Washington Examiner, 22 Aug. 2025 Vice Mayor Rob Long sees it differently, expressing indignation in response to the state’s demands. Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2025 Chase resigned in indignation and took refuge at the League. Anne Halsey, JSTOR Daily, 6 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for indignation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for indignation
Noun
  • But the anger and radicalization have to be managed by Democratic leaders, if not for the sake of the country, then at least to avoid a political backlash.
    W. James Antle III, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Burning anti-establishment anger helped lay the path for his successful 2018 presidential run, with dozens of far-right and conservative lawmakers elected on his coattails.
    Ricardo Brito, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Trump was made aware of the incident on Sunday and expressed outrage in a speech on Monday.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Additionally, where is the outrage from the Mainstream Media on this horrible tragedy?
    Khaleda Rahman Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Implementing the necessary security measures for his arrival meant that the game was delayed by almost an hour—sparking fury among those waiting to be let in to the stadium.
    Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
  • It’s set in a small-town community in upstate New York, where the long-gray-haired and bearded Monsignor Jefferson Wicks (Josh Brolin) is the contempo version of a fire-and-brimstone cult leader, preaching fury in the form of piety.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 7 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Pols of all stripes knew how popular PBS and NPR were, and ultimately didn’t want to face the wrath of angry constituents wondering where Big Bird went.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The Detroit Tigers took the entire Yankees pitching staff to school for the second game in a row on Wednesday, and Doval felt their wrath as much as anyone.
    Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • At least 19 people died in protests in Nepal’s capital and other cities, after rage over a social-media shutdown and corruption led to violent clashes between the police and young demonstrators.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Genius dazzles down the ages, but so do fits of rage.
    Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Perfectly roomy with a bit of effortless slouch for a relaxed feel, the Balance Bucket is available in both black and brown suede, plus black leather, to complement every mood and lifestyle.
    Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Wrought-iron bed frames and de-silvered mirrors play into the mood of a seaside inn.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 10 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Indignation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indignation. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

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