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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2
as in grieving
to feel deep sadness or mental pain
the husband suffered deeply at the mere suggestion that he had been unfaithful
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in permitting
to give permission for or to approve of
contends that the death penalty is something that no civilized society should suffer
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in letting
to fail to prevent (some behavior on someone's part) especially from neglect or indifference
I will not suffer you to insult me so!
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in distress
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Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of suffering
Dr. Nikki Romanik, Time, 1 Oct. 2025
There was so much suffering involved.
—Kc Baker, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025
Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Sep. 2025
In its stark objectivity, the film makes Kardashian’s suffering palpable as her partner changes before her eyes (see an exclusive clip of a tense interaction between the pair at the top of this post).
—Matt Donnelly, Variety, 22 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for suffering
Adjective
For a virus spread by close contact, hesitation meant more disease transmission, more cases, and more suffering.
—Dr. Nikki Romanik, Time, 1 Oct. 2025
There was so much suffering involved.
—Kc Baker, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
Authorities have released the name of a man who died in an El Cajon area apartment complex last week after suffering traumatic injuries.
—Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Sep. 2025
In its stark objectivity, the film makes Kardashian’s suffering palpable as her partner changes before her eyes (see an exclusive clip of a tense interaction between the pair at the top of this post).
—Matt Donnelly, Variety, 22 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for suffering
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suffering
Verb
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This comes as Fort Lauderdale, especially its affluent downtown area, is experiencing a flurry of flashy real estate developments, young professionals moving in and overall economic growth.—
Amanda Rosa,
Miami Herald,
30 Sep. 2025
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Toxic positivity combines a belief that being optimistic will change an outcome with attempts to deny, minimize, and invalidate what teams are experiencing.—
Mita Mallick,
Big Think,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
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While Tommy grapples with his complicated family life and a still-grieving Cami settles into her new position at the company, the undercurrent of just how dangerous the oil business is can't be ignored.—
Julia Moore,
PEOPLE,
1 Oct. 2025
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An emotional speech from a grieving father led LIV Golf star Phil Mickelson to call out the justice system.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
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That means less time to negotiate any agreement on permitting reform, which should have been the next big energy item on the agenda.—
Tim McDonnell,
semafor.com,
30 Sep. 2025
-
Its four models range up to the latest version, Block IV, which can feed back live information on targets below, permitting a change during flight.—
Nick Paton Walsh,
CNN Money,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Here, Simone’s catalog scaffolded the dancers, letting longing, refusal, and sideways joy show up with a pulse.—
Skylar Mitchell,
Essence,
29 Sep. 2025
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Platforms would have to request access, or even offer micropayments, letting users comparison-shop.—
Julian Lucas,
New Yorker,
29 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Get alerts if the system detects acute distress.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
30 Sep. 2025
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Just continue to watch for any signs of distress, and if something else develops, see a vet.—
Joan Morris,
Mercury News,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Two mountain lion cubs found orphaned and malnourished in March have been released back into the wild after undergoing rehabilitation at San Diego Humane Society’s Ramona Wildlife Center.—
Maria Azzurra Volpe,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
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The building was reportedly undergoing an unauthorized expansion.—
Britt Clennett,
ABC News,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The team's other star tackle Taylor Decker, meanwhile, talked about the daily struggle of keeping his aching shoulder ready for gameday.—
Christian Romo,
Freep.com,
2 Oct. 2025
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In any case, these are Beckett’s drifters, no doubt, right down to the aching feet and bad breath.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
28 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Martin Odegaard hobbling off the Emirates pitch for the third time in as many starts would have frustrated Mikel Arteta, but having Martin Zubimendi waiting in the wings is a luxury any manager would dream of.—
Art de Roché,
New York Times,
5 Oct. 2025
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Why does one hard working fan have to buy seven different versions of an album instead of just having all of the songs be on one complete album?—
Bryan West,
USA Today,
5 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Suffering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suffering. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
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