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 weeklong visit to Spain by Pope Leo XIV has brought the pontiff to a once-staunchly Catholic country that has long been in the throes of waning religious practice and, recently, a political crisis for the governing Socialist Party.
—
ABC News, 6 June 2026
His own son, Ethan, in the throes of a mental health crisis, threw Tom’s wife down the stairs, killing her.
—Justin Kroll, Deadline, 2 June 2026
An on-duty FDNY firefighter in the throes of a mental health episode was arrested for punching an NYPD officer in the face during an unprovoked attack inside a Queens hospital, police sources said Friday.
—Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 29 May 2026
That felt like the day when patience snapped with Slot as no Liverpool manager had faced that level of dissent on home turf since the final throes of Roy Hodgson’s tenure in late 2010.
—James Pearce, New York Times, 28 May 2026
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
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
ABC News, 6 June 2026
His own son, Ethan, in the throes of a mental health crisis, threw Tom’s wife down the stairs, killing her.
—Justin Kroll, Deadline, 2 June 2026
An on-duty FDNY firefighter in the throes of a mental health episode was arrested for punching an NYPD officer in the face during an unprovoked attack inside a Queens hospital, police sources said Friday.
—Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 29 May 2026
That felt like the day when patience snapped with Slot as no Liverpool manager had faced that level of dissent on home turf since the final throes of Roy Hodgson’s tenure in late 2010.
—James Pearce, New York Times, 28 May 2026
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for throes
Noun
-
However the failure to reach an agreement on the 100-billion Euro ($116 billion) project, which also includes Spain, underscores the struggles Europe has faced in rebuilding its military capacity after decades of underinvestment.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
9 June 2026
-
Dearica Hamby had 22 points with 12 rebounds, a solid response for the veteran forward following her struggles in recent games.—
Marisa Ingemi,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2026
Noun
-
Mexico dominated, winning the possession battle 60% to 40%.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
12 June 2026
-
The Patriots had goals from Maya Feloney and Ava Bridgman, but the possession battle was firmly in NDA’s favor with the score being 5-2.—
Jack Murray,
Boston Herald,
11 June 2026
Noun
-
Most baseball fights produce a little shoving, occasional hugging, some dancing and pulled powderpuff punches.—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
13 June 2026
-
Coming just three days after launch, and after tech leaders and social media influencers showcased Fable’s leap in performance over earlier models, the sudden block has become a larger fight over who decides when an AI system is too powerful for open access.—
Ron Schmelzer,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2026
Noun
-
Graham has handily won each of his reelection bids in the past, but his support for Israel and the Iran war has created an opening for other conservatives to enter the fray.—
Phillip M. Bailey,
USA Today,
9 June 2026
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As for other new creatures, fans can expect Riftborne Bazelgeuse to join the fray.—
Gieson Cacho,
Mercury News,
4 June 2026
Noun
-
Second District Supervisor Holly Mitchell led the effort for Measure ER along with First District Supervisor Hilda Solis.—
Steve Scauzillo,
Daily News,
10 June 2026
-
The project is being framed as both a preservation effort and a forward-looking investment in the heart of Chinatown.—
Maddie White,
CBS News,
10 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Throes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/throes. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
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