TRIBULATION Synonyms: 50 Similar and Opposite Words

tribulation

noun

ˌtri-byə-ˈlā-shən

Definition of tribulation

as in distress

a state of great suffering of body or mind a documentary chronicling the lasting tribulation of Holocaust survivors

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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 tribulation In great detail and with candid memories, the book narrates the trials, tribulations, and tragedies from the band’s formation in 1984 through the current day, including emotional and personal reflections on the life and death of one of its own superheroes, Chris Cornell. — Selena Fragassi, SPIN, 9 June 2026 But Johnson, a West Sider and member of the nondemonational Lawndale Christian Community Church, has frequently leaned on his base within the Black church during times of tribulation in office. — Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2026 My job is going to be to provide stability and respite from the tribulations beyond our threshold, to be one of the not-bad things that happen to her in a life where bad things inevitably will. — Raven Smith, Vogue, 18 Apr. 2026 The new film, which is both written and directed by the franchise’s longtime screenwriter John Hamburg, sees Grande play Olivia Jones, the fiancé of Pam and Greg Focker’s son who now has to endure the tribulations of meeting the parents (and grandparents) before joining the family. — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 15 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tribulation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tribulation

Noun

In February 2025, a group of Yosemite employees hung an American flag upside down – a symbolic distress call – in response to the staffing cuts.

— Martin Goillandeau, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2026
However, a Los Angeles judge ruled in April that one intentional infliction of emotional distress claim could proceed, according to court documents previously obtained by PEOPLE.

— Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of distress

Noun

There are few harsher agonies than waiting, and throughout the great expanse of the CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix presented by Rolex at the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’, two riders felt that in very different ways.

— Tilly Berendt, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
But for Roma, the agony for his missing son did not end that day.

— Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of agony

Noun

Feverish with feeling, the women scream, wail and sob, each one experiencing her misery multiply in real time as the remaining two look on in disdain.

— Natalia Winkelman, Variety, 16 Sep. 2026
Giannoulias hasn’t taken a dime from AIPAC — the American Israel Public Affairs Committee — in this campaign, but that didn’t stop the mayor from attempting to tie Giannoulias to the misery in the Middle East.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of misery

Noun

The organization said the discoveries had deepened the anguish of families searching for loved ones.

— Mogomotsi Magome, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026
Their mental anguish, out-of-pocket expenses, the time caregivers devote to their work, the wages lost from forgone work — all create spectacular costs for America’s families.

— Jason Karlawish, STAT, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of anguish

Noun

The patented multi-panel high-rise waistband technology in the leggings boosts muscle memory in core, glutes, and spine for instant alignment, stability, support and pain relief.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Sep. 2026
Because the underlying mechanisms driving this persistent pain are unknown, treatment options are centered on relieving symptoms but largely fall short.

— Andrew Bubak, The Conversation, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of pain

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tribulation

tribulations

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“Tribulation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tribulation. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of tribulation

noun

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