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
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Recent Examples of throes
The wide-ranging storm has brought blizzard conditions, strong winds, an ice storm and tornadoes and is being followed by extreme temperature drops that are plunging millions back into the throes of winter.
—
Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 29 Dec. 2025
The United States first seized Guantánamo Bay in 1898, when Washington intervened in the last throes of Cuba’s thirty-year struggle for independence from Spain.
—Miriam Pensack, The Dial, 30 Sep. 2025
As Wes, Sope Dirisu has played a compelling figure in the blind throes of a meteoric rise.
—Andy Andersen, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2025
Both have started games for the Astros this season, and McCullers, specifically, is a veteran who has pitched in the throes of a playoff race.
—Chandler Rome, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
Both hindsight and foresight is 20/20 in these scenarios, but recognizing your affective arousal while caught within its throes can be decidedly tricky.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Bobby's death came in the middle of a major contagion crisis that pulled the 118 fire department into fatal throes.
—Mekishana Pierre, EW.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Mette Degn-Christensen, founder of fair organizer Downtown Design, told WWD earlier this year that the whole region is in the throes a transformational chapter.
—Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 22 Aug. 2025
Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 29 Dec. 2025
The United States first seized Guantánamo Bay in 1898, when Washington intervened in the last throes of Cuba’s thirty-year struggle for independence from Spain.
—Miriam Pensack, The Dial, 30 Sep. 2025
As Wes, Sope Dirisu has played a compelling figure in the blind throes of a meteoric rise.
—Andy Andersen, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2025
Both have started games for the Astros this season, and McCullers, specifically, is a veteran who has pitched in the throes of a playoff race.
—Chandler Rome, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
Both hindsight and foresight is 20/20 in these scenarios, but recognizing your affective arousal while caught within its throes can be decidedly tricky.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Bobby's death came in the middle of a major contagion crisis that pulled the 118 fire department into fatal throes.
—Mekishana Pierre, EW.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Mette Degn-Christensen, founder of fair organizer Downtown Design, told WWD earlier this year that the whole region is in the throes a transformational chapter.
—Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 22 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for throes
Noun
-
His struggles are hurting the Broncos in the biggest moments, too.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
9 Jan. 2026
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After all, there are signs that the economy is improving (unemployment and inflation are declining), but after the economic struggles of recent years, and with household debt still high, an additional financing source won't hurt, either.—
Matt Richardson,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
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This was not a rare occurrence at the university, where the presence of many students depended on the outcome of factional battles in their countries of origin.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
16 Jan. 2026
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In fact, filming the entire episode was quite the experience as the actress spent a lot of time arguing with herself as Maddie and Sara engaged in a battle of wills for control over the call center.—
Sabienna Bowman,
PEOPLE,
16 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Davisboro, Georgia Police Chief Leondus Dixon told CBS News a fight broke out among inmates during visitation hours at Washington State Prison in Davisboro.—
Brian Dakss,
CBS News,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Sheffey is jumping in the fight.—
Lawrence Dow,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
12 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
But soon the police matter became entangled in the council’s high-stakes politicking, after two presidential advisers stepped into the fray and offered to accompany Cangé to respond to the summons.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
20 Jan. 2026
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Johnson, the eventual victor, threw his hat in the ring in October — after multiple other progressive candidates entered the fray.—
Jake Sheridan,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The lawsuit, which was ultimately dismissed, alleged these were attempts to block her reform efforts.—
Cindy Von Quednow,
CNN Money,
21 Jan. 2026
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Museum curators were inspired to create the exhibition in an effort to display items that wouldn't otherwise be seen, Sarah Crawford, director of museum experience at Carnegie Museum of Natural History, told ABC News.—
Julia Jacobo,
ABC News,
21 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Throes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/throes. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.
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