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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of suffering
Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 20 June 2025
While the fundamental definition of mental disorder remained the same, the DSM-V considered a person’s internal suffering when evaluating them for clinically significant distress.
—Alison Escalante, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
Lance Eliot, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
Anyway, Asma is now suffering terribly, according to reports.
—Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 31 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for suffering
Adjective
Proponents included Esther Rantzen, a BBC TV presenter with advanced lung cancer, who argued that the choice would save millions from unnecessary suffering.
—Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 20 June 2025
While the fundamental definition of mental disorder remained the same, the DSM-V considered a person’s internal suffering when evaluating them for clinically significant distress.
—Alison Escalante, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
Noun
Under the hood, your body is often suffering from dehydration and inflammation.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
Anyway, Asma is now suffering terribly, according to reports.
—Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 31 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for suffering
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suffering
Verb
-
Bereavement hallucinations—intensely vivid encounters with the deceased—are reported by as many as half of all grieving people.—
Adam Gopnik,
The New Yorker,
24 Mar. 2025
-
The Catalan feature tells the stories of Anabel and her mother, Delia, who are grieving for Julián, Anabel’s father.—
Jamie Lang,
Variety,
22 Mar. 2025
Verb
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For the time being, Pritzker is letting his existing pension-reform proposal speak for itself.—
David Greising,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Apr. 2025
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Sometimes that means saying no to certain political appearances (such as a new president’s inauguration, for example) that are often expected of former first ladies, and letting the former president attend these events solo.—
Kathleen Walsh,
Glamour,
10 Apr. 2025
Noun
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To add insult to injury, distress at work has been linked to a decrease in innovative work behavior, meaning all that destructive stress ultimately may yield less inspiring work.—
Drew Gerber,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2025
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The Tennessee law, like Idaho’s, centers on medical care for transgender youth that addresses gender dysphoria, or feelings of distress when a person’s body or presentation doesn’t match their gender identity.—
Nicole Blanchard,
Idaho Statesman,
19 June 2025
Verb
-
Buehler missed the 2023 season after undergoing a second Tommy John surgery.—
Dan Freedman,
Forbes,
24 Dec. 2024
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Bill Clinton is undergoing testing at Georgetown University Hospital where he was hospitalized Monday for a fever, according to the 42nd president’s deputy chief of staff.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
24 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Wiz could be a turning point for an uncertain IPO market and a mergers and acquisitions environment aching from a slowdown in deal activity.—
Samantha Subin,
CNBC,
24 Mar. 2025
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In fact, this iteration is a lighter and more cushioned version, with a level of support and shock absorption that ensures your feet are not aching after a day of sightseeing.—
Kristin Braswell,
Travel + Leisure,
20 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Not for this year’s draft, unfortunately, but having 2026 and 2027 picks from an aging Lightning squad isn’t a bad bet at all.—
Sean McIndoe,
New York Times,
11 Apr. 2025
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After having Dirk Nowitzki, a foreign superstar who stuck with the team for his entire career, the team was looking forward to another player following suit.—
Daniel R. Depetris,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Thank you for tolerating a strange British idiot.—
Gord Magill,
Newsweek,
21 Dec. 2024
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Instead of being about a bunch of observers helplessly tolerating their peculiar friend, the sketch became an absurd illustration of the way groupthink manifests.—
Shirley Li,
The Atlantic,
15 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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The heated encounter occurred outside a building, as Hannah-Kim appeared visibly upset about the situation and wanted an explanation for Kove’s actions.—
Stephanie Giang-Paunon,
FOXNews.com,
26 June 2025
-
Marte, who hit a solo home run in the first inning of Arizona's 4-1 win, was seen visibly upset during a pitching change in the bottom of the seventh as Lovullo put his arm around his player and consoled him.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
25 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Suffering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suffering. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
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