suffering 1 of 3

Definition of sufferingnext

suffering

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noun

suffering

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verb

present participle of suffer
1
as in experiencing
to come to a knowledge of (something) by living through it willingly suffered hardships so that their children would have a better life

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun suffering differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of suffering are agony, distress, and misery. While all these words mean "the state of being in great trouble," suffering implies conscious endurance of pain or distress.

the suffering of famine victims

When can agony be used instead of suffering?

While in some cases nearly identical to suffering, agony suggests pain too intense to be borne.

in agony over the death of their child

When might distress be a better fit than suffering?

While the synonyms distress and suffering are close in meaning, distress implies an external and usually temporary cause of great physical or mental strain and stress.

the hurricane put everyone in great distress

When could misery be used to replace suffering?

The synonyms misery and suffering are sometimes interchangeable, but misery stresses the unhappiness attending especially sickness, poverty, or loss.

the homeless live with misery every day

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 suffering
Noun
The prevalence of chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension continues to rise, imposing both human suffering and economic strain. Sreedhar Potarazu, Baltimore Sun, 15 Feb. 2026 For King, supporting Jews did not require silence about Arab suffering. Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 15 Feb. 2026
Verb
The collective spiritual and ritual aspects of the psychedelic experience in community settings are what relieves suffering and strengthens bonds. Erica Rex, STAT, 19 Feb. 2026 But beyond Murphy and Graham, the trailer only teases Sophie Rundle as Tommy’s long-suffering sister, Ada, but no other regulars. Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 19 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for suffering
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suffering
Noun
  • Other geese that were still alive were experiencing distress, Halter said.
    Joe Brandt, CBS News, 18 Feb. 2026
  • This bleeds into how damages are assessed in the aftermath of an accident, as everything from medical bills to lost wages and emotional distress are critical element that will be legally considered.
    William Jones, USA Today, 17 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Your job is to decide what your child is experiencing.
    Jann Blackstone, Boston Herald, 15 Feb. 2026
  • Both hikers were treated for hypothermia and one of the hikers was also experiencing a diabetic emergency.
    Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 15 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • While a celebratory mood spreads across the country, survivors of a deadly fire in Hong Kong are still grieving with little to celebrate, like this man who lost his wife in the blaze.
    CNN staff, CNN Money, 18 Feb. 2026
  • The book's ending also sees Heathcliff grieving for Cathy, but that's pretty much where the similarities end.
    Meg Walters, Glamour, 16 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • But permitting moves too slowly, regulatory timelines stretch indefinitely, and long-term certainty remains absent.
    Suzette Valladares, Oc Register, 15 Feb. 2026
  • The city has decided to re-bid the contract with a private vendor that has provided city permitting services for nearly two decades.
    Mike Hernández, Sun Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Experiential businesses and live events are letting customers find camaraderie by hating in-person.
    Julian Torres, CNN Money, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Mostly, however, Gee’s sophisticated, stealthily moving film folds any bursts of emotion into its exquisitely dark shadows, letting Evans’ limpid but heartsore music do most of the weeping.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • SpaceX said on its launch page that residents in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Ventura counties might experience one or more sonic booms during the launch, a phenomenon that has long upset residents and raised concerns about the booms’ effect on nearby endangered species.
    Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2026
  • Littler added that his girlfriend would often get upset when her father talked about owning a gun.
    Saul Pink, San Antonio Express-News, 14 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari expressed sorrow and condolences to the victims’ families and directed authorities to ensure the best possible treatment for the injured.
    ABC News, ABC News, 19 Feb. 2026
  • And this production certainly has that, making for a consistently entertaining drama that can quicken your heart one minute and plunge it into profound sorrow the next.
    Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 18 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The report adds to the mounting evidence that winters around the world's largest surface freshwater system are undergoing rapid shifts due to climate change.
    Caitlin Looby, jsonline.com, 12 Feb. 2026
  • Jiménez, 31, missed the 2025 season after undergoing surgery to repair cartilage damage in his left knee.
    Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 11 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Suffering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suffering. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.

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