as in struggle
a forceful effort to reach a goal or objective
that third-world country is caught up in the throes of a democratic revolution
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 throes
Nearly a century ago, with many Americans in the throes of the Great Depression, catfish cabins began popping up along creeks, rivers, and bayous across the center of the rural South, particularly in Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Louisiana.
—
Chelsea Brasted, Southern Living, 15 May 2026
Since 2019, the tiny Mediterranean country has been in the throes of an economic crisis that pulverized the value of its local currency and its banking system.
—Malak Harb, Fortune, 15 May 2026
Luxury Living Group is in the throes of realizing residential projects for other of its brands as well, such as Bugatti Tower in Dubai, the Bentley Residences in Miami and two Trussardi Residences in Dubai.
—Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 12 May 2026
At least the Leafs are in the throes of a rebuild, or a retool, or whatever new general manager John Chayka decides to call it.
—Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 8 May 2026
Rosalía may be in the throes of her Lux tour, but she’s found some time away from her celestial serenading and intense, country-hopping schedule to join Team Bob.
—Mykenna Maniece, Vogue, 8 May 2026
On February 24, 2022, Vladimir Putin’s armies seized Chornobyl in the opening throes of their invasion of Ukraine.
—Benjamin MacK-Jackson, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026
Most of his videos, filmed in a local studio or sometimes on the streets of Charlotte, are high-quality shorts showing him in throes of battle with classic villains like Killer Croc or Bane.
—Charlotte Observer, 29 Apr. 2026
That distinction fell to the Phillies who went into the weekend in the throes of a 10-game losing streak.
—Bill Madden, Hartford Courant, 25 Apr. 2026
Chelsea Brasted, Southern Living, 15 May 2026
Since 2019, the tiny Mediterranean country has been in the throes of an economic crisis that pulverized the value of its local currency and its banking system.
—Malak Harb, Fortune, 15 May 2026
Luxury Living Group is in the throes of realizing residential projects for other of its brands as well, such as Bugatti Tower in Dubai, the Bentley Residences in Miami and two Trussardi Residences in Dubai.
—Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 12 May 2026
At least the Leafs are in the throes of a rebuild, or a retool, or whatever new general manager John Chayka decides to call it.
—Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 8 May 2026
Rosalía may be in the throes of her Lux tour, but she’s found some time away from her celestial serenading and intense, country-hopping schedule to join Team Bob.
—Mykenna Maniece, Vogue, 8 May 2026
On February 24, 2022, Vladimir Putin’s armies seized Chornobyl in the opening throes of their invasion of Ukraine.
—Benjamin MacK-Jackson, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026
Most of his videos, filmed in a local studio or sometimes on the streets of Charlotte, are high-quality shorts showing him in throes of battle with classic villains like Killer Croc or Bane.
—Charlotte Observer, 29 Apr. 2026
That distinction fell to the Phillies who went into the weekend in the throes of a 10-game losing streak.
—Bill Madden, Hartford Courant, 25 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for throes
Noun
-
In vitro fertilization is a medical procedure that can be used to address several infertility struggles.—
Amaris Encinas,
USA Today,
19 May 2026
-
Jarrett Allen, much maligned for past playoff struggles, dominated the Pistons with 23 points, seven rebounds, completely outmatching Detroit’s Jalen Duren.—
Jason Lloyd,
New York Times,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
Decades-long legal battle The Supreme Court decision to overturn Glossip’s conviction and death sentence last year marked a major turning point in his decades-long legal battle.—
Linh Tran,
CNN Money,
14 May 2026
-
But the frenzied redistricting battle of the past few months — including a congressional map in his home state thrown out by a court after people voted to approve it, and certain elections postponed in Louisiana and Alabama after mail ballots already went out — has done it.—
Miles Parks,
NPR,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
The fight will be contested at welterweight, and White did not clarify how many rounds the bout would be contested at.—
Mark Puleo,
New York Times,
17 May 2026
-
Uthmeier has taken a courageous stand, and should finish the fight.—
Kimberly Bird,
The Orlando Sentinel,
17 May 2026
Noun
-
Another company entered the fray this week.—
Alex Knapp,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
-
SmackDown has had a few call-ups over the last month with Ricky Saints joining Williams on the roster and Carmelo Hayes returning to the fray on Friday.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
Eco effort The most impressive part of the property is its lush landscaping.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
20 May 2026
-
Fox’s efforts to cater to a digitally savvy cohort to boost the fortunes of its news operations will no doubt be watched by other mainstream TV-news outlets.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
19 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Throes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/throes. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
