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torturous

adjective

ˈtȯrch-rəs How to pronounce torturous (audio)
Definition of torturousnext
1
as in painful
hard to accept or bear especially emotionally relatives had to make the torturous decision to disconnect the patient's life-support system

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in wrenching
intensely or unbearably painful the post-infection treatment for rabies was as notoriously torturous as the disease itself

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 torturous From 1873 to 1991, the island served as Costa Rica’s principal penitentiary, where some of the country’s worst criminals were sent to serve often short and torturous sentences. — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 24 July 2026 Hellraiser introduced audiences to the mythology of the Lament Configuration puzzle box, the home to a dimensional portal inhabited by the ritualistically torturous beings, the Cenobites, and their leader, the iconic Pinhead. — Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 21 July 2026 As part of her job, Angèle needs to daub makeup on the models’ feet, blistered from the torturous heels they’re forced to wear. — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 26 June 2026 Good luck—these tiny, torturous bugs seem to be hard to dispose of, but there is a way to lure them in and disable them. — Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for torturous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for torturous
  1. painful
  2. wrenching
  3. harsh
  4. agonizing
  5. cruel
  6. excruciating
  7. intense
Adjective
  • The story follows Ramón, a film assistant reeling from a painful breakup, who begins working with Camille de Valois, a legendary French actress returning to cinema after two decades away following an accusation of murder.
    — Callum McLennan, Variety, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Still, there are good reasons Trump may be holding back, not least to avoid opening a potentially painful second front, just seven months after launching his damaging and ongoing conflict with Iran.
    — Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of painful
Adjective
  • The wrenching, heartbreaking testimony echoed through the Congressional hearing room, pulling listeners back to the raw moments of January when Good and Alex Pretti were killed.
    — WCCO Staff, CBS News, 22 Sep. 2026
  • The emotionally wrenching case, marked by excruciating testimony and Clancy’s paralysis after a suicide attempt, has intensified scrutiny of maternal mental health and Massachusetts’ standard for criminal responsibility.
    — Leah Willingham, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of wrenching
Adjective
  • This has been complicated further by the Iran war energy shock which is a harsh wake-up call for Southeast Asia.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Even when used on its own, bleach is incredibly harsh and can strip your floors’ finish, leaving it vulnerable to damage, discoloration, and dullness over time.
    — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of harsh
Adjective
  • Of course, Kiffin left, a bitter and acrimonious separation that played out over 14 agonizing days, just as the Rebels prepped for their first College Football Playoff game in history.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2026
  • The brazen and agonizing theft of 88 million euros ($102 million) worth of crown jewels from display cases in the Louvre's Apollo gallery served as a wake-up call.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of agonizing
Adjective
  • In the book, MacLachlan recalls being utterly dumbfounded at having been asked to do something so oblivious at best and cruel at worst.
    — Rachel Brodsky, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Many of them, including Ned and his childhood friend and rival, Roland, are scarred by their time as youth players, haunted by memories of the sadistic coaches and cruel, competitive fathers who terrorized them both on and off the court.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of cruel
Adjective
  • The timeline in the report of one woman enduring Maduko’s behavior is excruciating to read.
    — Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Part sometimes excruciating dark comedy, part sci-fi mindwarp and part suspense thriller whose grip bids fair to surprise at San Sebastián.
    — Callum McLennan, Variety, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of excruciating
Adjective
  • The coalition led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's Socialists announced the new measures earlier Tuesday, after four days of intense protests centered around an encampment in Puerta del Sol, Madrid's most iconic plaza.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Consequently, the resulting economic stimulus, inflationary pressure, and intense competition for capital could propel the 10 year US Treasury yield toward a high of 6% before next January.
    — , CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of intense

Browse Nearby Words

torturing
torturous
Tory
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Cite this Entry

“Torturous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/torturous. Accessed 2 Oct. 2026.

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