wrath

Definition of wrathnext
1
2

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 Inside, the fire’s wrath spared nothing, marking nearly every surface with smoke residue. Jason Carroll, CNN Money, 18 Jan. 2026 There’s motivation in trying to avoid the wrath of these guys. Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Jan. 2026 Advertisement For most countries, the dominant strategy is not to realign or choose sides between the United States and China, but to treat both as indispensable economic poles, to extract concessions, and avoid the wrath of the two superpowers. Pratap Bhanu Mehta, Time, 15 Jan. 2026 In an Instagram reel shared on Sunday, Vanderpump talks to the camera, directing her wrath squarely at American Airlines. Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 14 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wrath
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wrath
Noun
  • In metro Phoenix, people are speaking out against Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions — in anger, in defiance, in frustration and fear.
    Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Inevitably, Big Ant soon comes crashing back down to Earth and the swirl of anger and sorrow that await him there; inevitably, Lil Ant and Lozita are forced to face his unhappiness, and figure out how to react.
    Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 30 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Thompson had his original death sentence overturned and a new punishment trial was held in November 2005.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Thompson’s original death sentence was later overturned, but a jury again sentenced him to die by lethal injection following a new punishment trial in November 2005.
    Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • His indignation was not sugar coated.
    Essence, Essence, 20 Jan. 2026
  • Struber laughs at their polite indignation.
    Stuart James, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The Lightning won the game in a penalty shootout thanks to goals from Kucherov, Gage Goncalves and Jake Guentzel.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 2 Feb. 2026
  • His detractors, however, criticize the mayor for focusing on short-term housing for the homeless at the expense of long-term solutions, threatening to arrest homeless people, and supporting Proposition 36, which Newsom opposed, that toughened penalties against repeat drug and theft offenses.
    Julia Prodis Sulek, Mercury News, 1 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • After the posts sparked fury online, VCU completed a swift investigation before parting ways with Cook.
    Peter D'Abrosca, FOXNews.com, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Because pretty much everywhere else but the Kennedy Center on this frigid winter night, the country was more focused on fury than finery.
    Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 30 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Liam’s detention became another flashpoint in the criticism over heavy-handed immigration enforcement tactics used by the feds and fueled mounting outrage from community members and officials alike.
    Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 1 Feb. 2026
  • The case drew widespread outrage after an image of Ramos — wearing a blue hat and a backpack as he was being taken into custody by immigration authorities — went viral online.
    Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 31 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Tall Shaft Boots Knee-high boots were all the rage back in 2016, and the stylish trend happens to still be well-suited for winter travel this year—depending on your selection, that is.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 31 Jan. 2026
  • The demonstration was marked by intense emotion, with rage, frustration and grief reflected in signs and chants calling for accountability and change.
    Jasmine Arenas, CBS News, 31 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Scent is an under-appreciated sense, and one with deep connections to our mood and memory.
    Jamie Gold, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Such a seamless, peaceful transition of power is wincingly rare in fashion, and stands out against the wider industry mood.
    Rachel Tashjian, CNN Money, 26 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wrath.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wrath. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on wrath

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!