wrath

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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 This disease shall hold me back no longer, the world will know my wrath. Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025 Winter's wrath continues with another cold spell predicted for mid-February. Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 21 Oct. 2025 Kristen Bell caught the wrath of online critics for a three-sentence message shared to commemorate her anniversary with husband Dax Shephard. Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2025 After a soggy weekend, Arizona is finally getting some relief from Priscilla’s wrath. Hayleigh Evans, AZCentral.com, 13 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wrath
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wrath
Noun
  • The thumping Republicans took in this week's elections reflected longer-running anger among constituencies that already leaned Democratic, but the GOP needs to worry that the government shutdown will cause that frustration to spread.
    Deputy News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
  • And that is why my first true voice—the one that could hold complexity, contradiction, grief, even anger—came in English.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • As for what the punishment was for Rhoades, the school would not comment any further regarding the incident.
    Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 Nov. 2025
  • The passage of Proposition 36, a tougher-on-crime law that placed stricter punishments on repeat drug and theft offenders, has given both agencies more opportunities to try to help those in custody suffering from drug addiction.
    Nathaniel Percy, Oc Register, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Miss Universe President expresses 'Great indignation' Rocha began his statement by expressing solidarity with the 122 delegates before criticizing Nawat's actions.
    Paula Soria, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
  • This explains the indignation of those carrying college debt who demanded Joe Biden make their loans go away.
    Boston Herald editorial staff, Boston Herald, 29 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The team also committed three penalties in the third period, and Sullivan said the coaching staff would have preferred it to have been less eventful.
    Peter Baugh, New York Times, 11 Nov. 2025
  • However, an additional sanction could subject her to probation, suspension, termination or a host of possible penalties related to promotions, tenure or salary, according to IU code.
    Cate Charron, IndyStar, 11 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • So when the bare minimum of eight Democratic senators split off, advancing a shutdown-ending deal that’s set to clear the Senate later Monday, the rest of the party erupted in fury, from coast to coast.
    Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Schumer is facing fury from within his own party for failing to get Democrats to fall in line.
    Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Community outrage At Sunday’s news conference, local politicians and activists expressed their anger and frustration at federal agents’ actions Saturday.
    Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Her journal entries turn despairing and remorseful, colored by moral outrage.
    Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • After pouring out all of Tallulah’s earthly possessions — loose cash, thongs, several vapes, Bubble Tape — Paulena takes the bag and flounces off, leaving Tallulah vibrating with rage and Maia quietly panicking.
    Caroline Framke, Vulture, 10 Nov. 2025
  • For some, that rage appears to be driven by a sense of injustice that the UK national broadcaster has been the victim of a right-wing plot.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 10 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • It’s easily skewed by recent events, your mood, and invisible biases.
    Big Think, Big Think, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Set the mood with multiple candles in rustic holders and a simple, neutral centerpiece.
    Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wrath.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wrath. Accessed 16 Nov. 2025.

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