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 celebration befit the suffering that came before. Zack Rosenblatt, New York Times, 27 May 2026 Communities must teach children and adults the emotion skills to recognize suffering, interrupt cruelty, and use power responsibly. Marc Brackett, Hartford Courant, 27 May 2026
Verb
Braun, 25, backslid in an alarming way, never regaining his footing after getting hurt and suffering setbacks. Troy Renck, Denver Post, 29 May 2026 The region is suffering from militia violence and extreme poverty. Brittney Melton, NPR, 28 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for suffering
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suffering
Noun
  • Jurors awarded Nancy Iskander another $35 million for serious emotional distress and $34 million to Zachary, the youngest brother, for emotional suffering.
    Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026
  • The filing alleges Hubbard experienced gastrointestinal illness, sepsis, and other long-term complications, while the child reported nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distress.
    Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 3 June 2026
Verb
  • In this volume are all the wild, enthused lines, stoked for life’s daily mysteries, and all the tender elevations that we have been used to experiencing in the poetry of Eileen Myles!
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 June 2026
  • Seoul felt different because the people the technology was designed to serve were in the room experiencing it firsthand.
    Bill Schiffmiller, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
Verb
  • Anger, denial, and fear are merely steps along the path of grieving.
    Jonathan Odden, Artforum, 2 June 2026
  • Small, concrete acts of kindness can mean more to a grieving person than words alone and eliminates the burden of having to ask for help.
    Julie Kaplow, USA Today, 30 May 2026
Verb
  • Following decades of meeting permitting demands and satisfying cultural heritage concerns, Resolution Copper now stands ready to deliver.
    David Blackmon, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
  • The Senate Executive Committee earlier in the week advanced legislation similar to the governor’s proposal to allow multiple units of housing statewide on many lots currently zoned for single-family homes, as well as a proposal similar to the governor’s plan to cut down on permitting timelines.
    Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 30 May 2026
Verb
  • Name your need in simple words, invite their side, and shape a middle path that honors the connection while letting your independent streak breathe a little.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 30 May 2026
  • Maybe consider letting big trucks use the bus lanes too.
    DP Opinion, Denver Post, 30 May 2026
Adjective
  • Texas State’s Chase Mora greeted USC closer Adam Troy with a monstrous two-run home run to left field in the top of ninth, propelling the Bobcats to 5-4 upset before a crowd of 6,956.
    Jose de Jesus Ortiz, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026
  • Rhodes had plenty to be upset about.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 30 May 2026
Noun
  • Amidst the sorrow of the past eight years, Ronnie and Lydia vowed to never stop searching for their granddaughter.
    James C Ramos, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 May 2026
  • Officials have shared their sorrow and paid tribute to the victims of the accident.
    Adam England, PEOPLE, 26 May 2026
Verb
  • The proposal is undergoing environmental review.
    Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2026
  • The gang-fighting force soldiers have spent the past two weeks undergoing in-country training before launching operations on Monday.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 30 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Suffering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suffering. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.

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