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 The choice to self-censor or else face the government’s wrath is a much worse free speech violation than is censorship by official edict. Onkar Ghate, Oc Register, 26 Sep. 2025 Shrines crop up in her honor — both from those who wish to avoid her wrath and others who approve of her killings. Alyssa Mercante, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2025 Sellers, like customers, had yet to return after most residents had fled the area, crossing on foot through the mountains to neighboring Port-de-Paix, and through a swollen river to escape the gangs’ deadly wrath. Ychmuth Corneille, Miami Herald, 21 Sep. 2025 Hurricane Helene’s wrath on the Charlotte area forced the cancellation of Lee’s initial informal coach’s luncheon, which is an event the organization hosts annually to serve as a precursor leading into the start of training camp. Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 20 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wrath
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wrath
Noun
  • But in Israel, some of the relief felt in the wake of the agreement has been eclipsed by anger that Hamas so far has released only the remains of nine of the 28 deceased hostages held in Gaza.
    Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The Owensboro news media and some white onlookers insist that when the lady sheriff didn’t show up to act as executioner, there was anger in the press’s unmet expectations, which then was taken out on the crowd, with the reporters lying about the audience’s unruly behavior.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • However, the league seemingly deemed his actions not punishment-worthy, saving Mahomes from an $11,593 first-offense taunting penalty.
    Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Where Gentle Parenting Might Be Lacking Gentle parenting emphasizes empathy and respectful communication without harsh punishment, explains Cynthia Vejar, PhD, LPC, program director and associate professor of Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Lebanon Valley College.
    Sherri Gordon, Parents, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • She was particularly distressed by Kennedy’s June decision to fire the entire vaccine advisory board and stack it with his allies, but recent months have offered even more opportunities for stress and indignation.
    Tom Bartlett, The Atlantic, 13 Oct. 2025
  • McBride sets the political context for Swift’s savage indignation by noting that 1727–1729 saw three successive harvest failures in Ireland.
    Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The unexpected move left contestants relieved but on edge, knowing that one misstep next week could cost them a double penalty.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Oct. 2025
  • The Red Raiders were given two 15-yard penalties for fan behavior.
    Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Little life was left in this spot where White Sage’s fury must have been severe.
    Joan Meiners, AZCentral.com, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Just a few more blocks away is the derelict CVS that has become a lightning rod of neighborhood fury, a monument to gross neglect.
    Wes Burdine, Twin Cities, 19 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The situation sparked outrage in Miami and nationwide, citing it as an example of a violation of freedom of speech.
    Edda Leon, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Photos of the gaggle of fans were shared on social media, and Swift’s fans expressed their outrage at the scene.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 20 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The Kinahans seemed to be acting out of pure rage.
    Ed Caesar, New Yorker, 20 Oct. 2025
  • But in 2014, rage in the streets of Ferguson, Missouri, over the killing of Michael Brown by police helped stoke a movement that shaped the next decade of American life.
    Vann R. Newkirk II, The Atlantic, 18 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The players, according to sources close to the squad, do not know what to expect with regards to Postecoglou’s future — there is a mood of uncertainty.
    Paul Taylor, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Her hydrangeas, roses, and spruces convey a mood, an attitude.
    Grace Edquist, Vogue, 15 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wrath.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wrath. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

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