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rage

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun rage differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of rage are anger, fury, indignation, ire, and wrath. While all these words mean "an intense emotional state induced by displeasure," rage and fury suggest loss of self-control from violence of emotion.

shook with rage
could not contain his fury

Where would anger be a reasonable alternative to rage?

The words anger and rage can be used in similar contexts, but anger, the most general term, names the reaction but by itself does not convey cause or intensity.

tried to hide his anger

When can indignation be used instead of rage?

While in some cases nearly identical to rage, indignation stresses righteous anger at what one considers unfair, mean, or shameful.

a comment that caused general indignation

In what contexts can ire take the place of rage?

While the synonyms ire and rage are close in meaning, ire, more frequent in literary contexts, suggests an intense anger, often with an evident display of feeling.

cheeks flushed with ire

When is it sensible to use wrath instead of rage?

The synonyms wrath and rage are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 rage
Noun
His ability to capture Haymitch’s warmth and charm and then weave that into the rage and heartbreak the Hunger Games sparks is superb. — Zack Sharf, Variety, 29 Oct. 2026 The more Vision rages, the calmer and more reasonable Ultron becomes. — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 28 Oct. 2026
Verb
There’s just enough teasing to allow the Elriel and the Gwynriel wars to keep raging for a few months. — Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 28 Oct. 2026 The battle to convert data center networking to photonics has been raging since the ChatGPT moment kicked off the AI race. — Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 28 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rage
Noun
  • Friday’s biggest lift for the S&P 500 came from Nvidia, the chip company that’s become the face of the boom and possible bust of the AI frenzy.
    — Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Sweet treats include a new limited-time cake pop inspired by the Bearista Cold Cup, which sparked a fan frenzy during last year’s holiday merchandise drop.
    — Erin Clements, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • That anger essentially becomes Dylan’s oxygen by the end of the run.
    — Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 7 Nov. 2026
  • The plot of Godzilla Minus Zero is a whirl of characters trying to redeem themselves for their past mistakes, or feeling so much anger toward an aggressor that their own moral compasses go awry.
    — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 6 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • The world’s wealthiest are finding new ways to deploy their fortunes beyond luxury cars and yachts—and the latest craze is soccer.
    — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 3 Nov. 2026
  • The company capitalized on the ballet flat craze by offering the popular style in a full spectrum of colors, prints and customizable options.
    — Justin Zacks, CNBC, 1 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Untreated hearing loss is associated with a higher risk of developing dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s.
    — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Some sympathized about the dementia struggle, many others expressed hope of a future business.
    — Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 3 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Ohio State jumped to a 14-0 lead late in the first quarter when Jackson ran it in from 16 and 8 yards before Oregon stormed back.
    — Joe Reedy, Chicago Tribune, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Ohio State jumped to a 14-0 lead late in the first quarter as Jackson ran it in from 16 and 8 yards before Oregon stormed back.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Channel 4’s website doesn’t currently offer any episodes for steaming on demand.
    — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Kitchens with Vietnamese roots began dishing up teriyaki alongside steaming bowlfuls of pho.
    — Allecia Vermillion, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • And as Japan rebuilds from both wartime devastation and from Godzilla’s rampage through various cities, including Tokyo, a new threat arrives from outer space—and this one can fly.
    — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Her restaurant's cameras caught a lone man on the nearly three-hour destructive rampage beginning just after midnight.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • There is no moment of indignation and no complaint to customer service.
    — Dvir Ginzburg, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Each time the answer is a concoction of equal parts indignation, defense, agitation, and defiance.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rage. Accessed 10 Nov. 2026.

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