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 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 Today, District 24, now a smaller district with more people, still suffers the same wrath. Chelsea Jones, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026 Even Miami locals are guilty of thinking a tiny little cap will effectively shield their faces from the wrath of the flaming Florida sun. Mariana Zapata, Travel + Leisure, 10 Aug. 2026 Of course, the meeting between them all doesn’t go as planned, and the wrath of Francesca and the parents’ indifference leads only to more pain for Robbins. Jack Dunn, Variety, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wrath
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wrath
Noun
  • Many of his supporters harbor deep frustration and anger at the American for-profit healthcare system.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Schore makes a similar distinction when discussing workplace anger.
    Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Mangione should receive punishment to the full extent of the law.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Judges are free to ignore sentencing guidelines, which are intended to reduce disparities in punishments levied for the same crimes.
    ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 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
  • Crystal Palace beat 2025 champions Liverpool on penalties in last season’s showpiece, before Liverpool endured a disappointing title defence.
    Dean Jones, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Tanaka scored on a penalty shot in the 79th minute to give Utah the win.
    ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Larson never concealed his fury at facing a challenger in a primary — a common occurrence in most states.
    Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The development was met with private fury from several higher-ups at EFL clubs, with those growing club losses cited.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Domestic grievances and outrage over Gaza make for a potent mix, and a wave of protest comparable to the uprisings of 15 years ago could again be on the horizon.
    MARC LYNCH, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Within weeks of Porter’s death, ICE agents gunned down Renee Good and Alex Pretti in confrontations in Minneapolis, with both slayings drawing national outrage.
    James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • In 2024, the artist added a fifth video, Keening, addressing collective mourning and rage after October 7, 2023, in which Hamas killed 1,200 Israelis and took 240 more hostage.
    Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Furious at seeing piles of dead bodies, Wolverine unlocks a rage ability where his devastating attacks do even more damage.
    Jordan Moreau, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Fireplaces are stocked with fragrant piñon wood, making winter stays especially cozy, while silk covers conceal TVs and handmade Le Creuset dishware keep modern amenities from disrupting the mood.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The real reach completely depends on the platform’s current-day algorithm (and mood).
    Phil Portman, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wrath.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wrath. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on wrath

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster