suffering 1 of 3

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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suffering

2 of 3

adjective

suffering

3 of 3

noun

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
Adjective
This ruthless cartel is intent on cashing in, permeating our communities with their poison, with no regard to human suffering. Jon Haworth, ABC News, 9 Sep. 2025 By reducing mental suffering, physiological suffering falls, too. Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
The Browns traded for Dustin Hopkins, who delivered a strong 2023 season before suffering a hamstring injury. Zac Jackson, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025 Simon’s parents, Don and Gail Patterson, also died after suffering severe gastrointestinal illness that culminated in multiple organ failure. Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for suffering
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suffering
Verb
  • Some regions of the United States are experiencing higher rates of positive COVID-19 tests than others, though reporting has slowed down enough nationwide that the CDC has begun allowing more time to pass between certain types of updates, such as those on variant prevalence.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2025
  • The report’s own data shows that companies slashing diversity, equity, and inclusion are experiencing higher discrimination complaints, lower morale, and decreased attraction of top talent.
    Essence, Essence, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The longtime pastor of Korumburra Baptist Church also thanked the prosecutors, medical staff, and members of the community who’d reached out to support his grieving family.
    Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2025
  • In this sequel to The Ice Road that trades Canadian ice flats for cliff-edge drop-offs and hairpin passes, Neeson’s grieving character Mike McCann heads to the Himalayas to scatter his brother’s ashes.
    Travis Bean, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Those efforts include exploration, better understanding of resource bases and getting licenses and permitting underway.
    April Roach, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2025
  • These projects are intended to show how CMBlu’s non-lithium chemistry can integrate with utility infrastructure and reduce permitting risks.
    Anna Broughel, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • This season could establish whether the Detroit Lions should have prioritized keeping Engstrand to replace Ben Johnson instead of hiring John Morton and letting Engstrand follow Aaron Glenn to the Jets.
    Mike Sando, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • This strategy offers selective, tax-advantaged benefits while preserving cash flow—letting leaders fairly compensate executives and reinvest in broader team incentives.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Eileen’s imminent arrival is made even more dramatic when a younger woman named Thea (Imogen Poots) turns up at Hedda’s door in a state of distress.
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2025
  • However, without Chinese demand, this abundant supply threatens to further depress prices and worsen farmers’ financial distress.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Horror Gets a Makeover During a public talk about the state of the industry, NBCUniversal chief Donna Langley revealed that horror, one of the most reliable box office forces, is undergoing a shake-up.
    Brent Lang, Variety, 9 Sep. 2025
  • The couple started trying for a baby naturally in 2017 but ended up consulting with Nashville Fertility in 2018 and undergoing several rounds of intrauterine insemination (IUI), according to People.
    Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The sole has Skechers’ GogaMat technology, which provides support and bounce that prevents feet from aching.
    Shea Simmons, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Part of her had always felt an aching imposter syndrome and a difficulty controlling her emotions.
    Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Devers, who is starting at first on Saturday, has fared well at first base despite having no experience at the position prior to this season.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Despite having a reputation for being at the cutting-edge of technological trends, cash is king in Japan.
    Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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