Definition of wrathnext
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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun wrath differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of wrath are anger, fury, indignation, ire, and rage. While all these words mean "an intense emotional state induced by displeasure," wrath is likely to suggest a desire or intent to punish or get revenge.

I feared her wrath if I was discovered

When can anger be used instead of wrath?

The words anger and wrath are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, anger, the most general term, names the reaction but by itself does not convey cause or intensity.

tried to hide his anger

When would indignation be a good substitute for wrath?

The synonyms indignation and wrath are sometimes interchangeable, but indignation stresses righteous anger at what one considers unfair, mean, or shameful.

a comment that caused general indignation

When might ire be a better fit than wrath?

Although the words ire and wrath have much in common, ire, more frequent in literary contexts, suggests an intense anger, often with an evident display of feeling.

cheeks flushed with ire

How do rage and fury relate to one another, in the sense of wrath?

Both rage and fury suggest loss of self-control from violence of emotion.

shook with rage
could not contain his fury

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 wrath Brown gave up a quick pressure that resulted in Burrow feeling the wrath. Gladys Louise Tyler, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026 These healthcare workers, serving images of themselves to the internet and its inevitable wrath, are providing testimony where Fauci will not. Alessandra Hirsch, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026 This Raging Bull’s additional wrath necessitated some styling cues to address that fact. Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 15 Aug. 2026 Cree Summer joined Rugrats in its second season, voicing Susie Carmichael, an ally who often protects the tots from Angelica’s wrath. Madeline Boardman, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wrath
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wrath
Noun
  • Wiley agreed to spend 15 days in jail and one year on probation, pay a $1,040 fine, take an anger management course and have no contact with the victim.
    Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 2026
  • It eventually was dismissed, but Myers’ anger didn’t subside.
    Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 3 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Likewise, many people believed that Silver would avoid imposing a harsh punishment on Ballmer, or that the investigators would evade asking tough questions.
    Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Knight considered a punishment range of five to 99 years, or life.
    Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • On cue, China expressed indignation about anti-missile deployments.
    Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Mind you, Miss Manners agrees with your indignation at this fraudulent maneuver.
    Judith Martin, Mercury News, 21 July 2026
Noun
  • Mosteller will serve 19 months in prison, avoiding the maximum penalty of 15 years behind bars.
    Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 4 Sep. 2026
  • After 9-year-old foster child Jakob Blodgett died from diabetes complications at an Arizona group home, the state issued a violation but imposed no fines or license penalties.
    Jacques Billeaud, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • But what’s especially interesting is the intensity with which Chad Powers approaches Gerry’s fury and eccentricities.
    Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Ezra Acayan / Getty Images Children in Nuwakot and ​Rasuwa areas are increasingly showing signs of psychological distress after witnessing the fury of the flood last week, international charity Save the Children said in a statement.
    Reuters, NBC news, 2 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • After outrage in Hollywood, the studio reversed course and allowed director Dave Green to shop the project around.
    Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • However, the reaction on Capitol Hill — where Coupang has mounted an extensive lobbying effort — has not been universal outrage.
    Justin Papp, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Even among the worldliest of us, an unexpected roundabout can trigger a fireworks-and-bald-eagles display of patriotic rage.
    AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Pushing boundaries for new radiopharmaceuticals Radiopharmaceuticals are all the rage in some biotech circles, but some voices of caution are saying slow down.
    Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 31 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Not even Jeff being annoyed at Kasandra’s drunkenness can ruin the mood.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026
  • For the campaign, Browne once again turned to Robbie Lawrence to capture the mood and beauty of Scotland.
    Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Wrath.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wrath. Accessed 8 Sep. 2026.

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