torturous
adjective
tor·tur·ous
ˈtȯr-chə-rəs 
ˈtȯrch-
1
a
: very unpleasant or painful
a torturous day
torturous self-doubts
b
: causing torture
torturous inquisitions
2
: painfully difficult or slow
the torturous course of the negotiations
torturously
adverb
Examples of torturous in a Sentence
relatives had to make the torturous decision to disconnect the patient's life-support system
the post-infection treatment for rabies was as notoriously torturous as the disease itself
Recent Examples on the Web
Teddi Mellencamp has finally emerged on the healthy side of a torturous, years-long battle with cancer.
—
Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 9 July 2025
Working out was a chore or—even worse—torturous penance for failing to become the impossible ever-shrinking woman.
—Julie Beck, The Atlantic, 3 July 2025
The push comes as nine inmates on death row filed a lawsuit in Davidson County Chancery Court in March saying the state’s new one-drug execution protocol brings the risk of a torturous death and has fewer safeguards compared to the previous protocol.
—Kelly Puente, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
My Mom Died is a harrowing read that traces McCurdy’s torturous relationship with her mother, which included highly invasive inspections of her body, an extreme low-calorie diet designed to keep her weight low, and a bathing ritual where her mother would shave her legs.
—Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 1 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for torturous
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.
Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 9 July 2025
Working out was a chore or—even worse—torturous penance for failing to become the impossible ever-shrinking woman.
—Julie Beck, The Atlantic, 3 July 2025
The push comes as nine inmates on death row filed a lawsuit in Davidson County Chancery Court in March saying the state’s new one-drug execution protocol brings the risk of a torturous death and has fewer safeguards compared to the previous protocol.
—Kelly Puente, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
My Mom Died is a harrowing read that traces McCurdy’s torturous relationship with her mother, which included highly invasive inspections of her body, an extreme low-calorie diet designed to keep her weight low, and a bathing ritual where her mother would shave her legs.
—Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 1 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for torturous
Cite this Entry
“Torturous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/torturous. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share