anger 1 of 2

anger

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun anger differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of anger are fury, indignation, ire, rage, and wrath. While all these words mean "an intense emotional state induced by displeasure," anger, the most general term, names the reaction but by itself does not convey cause or intensity.

tried to hide his anger

When could indignation be used to replace anger?

In some situations, the words indignation and anger are roughly equivalent. However, indignation stresses righteous anger at what one considers unfair, mean, or shameful.

a comment that caused general indignation

In what contexts can ire take the place of anger?

The meanings of ire and anger largely overlap; however, 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 anger?

Both rage and fury suggest loss of self-control from violence of emotion.

shook with rage
could not contain his fury

Where would wrath be a reasonable alternative to anger?

While the synonyms wrath and anger are close in meaning, wrath is likely to suggest a desire or intent to punish or get revenge.

I feared her wrath if I was discovered

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 anger
Noun
Residents at the July 3 vigil expressed anger, especially for youth in the area, who deal with the social and psychological effects of violent crime, such as police shootings. Ariela Lopez, jsonline.com, 4 July 2025 Moments later, her dad called and unleashed his anger directly at her. Ashley Vega, People.com, 4 July 2025
Verb
In an interview in her South Nashville home this month, Linette Bell said her sister was planning to get back together with her estranged husband, Bennie Clay, which angered Black. Kelly Puente, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 Kehoe’s budget vetoes have thrown some Kansas City area organizations into a period of uncertainty, angering many of the lawmakers who pushed for and approved the funding. Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for anger
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anger
Noun
  • And if this year's World's Best Awards winners are any indication, refined retreats are all the rage—especially those that give guests direct access to America's most stunning landscapes.
    Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2025
  • Some parents remember when tanning beds were all the rage and this trend is pretty similar.
    Annabelle Canela, Parents, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • Trump left Washington in January 2021 infuriated with Netanyahu, bitter that the Israeli leader had backed out of a planned joint operation to assassinate an Iranian general and had congratulated Joe Biden on his election victory.
    Eric Cortellessa, Time, 8 July 2025
  • But his veto of an affordable housing bill that had been drafted largely to his specifications infuriated lawmakers.
    Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • The tough conditions at Oakmont Country Club, in Pennsylvania, have some of the best golfers reeling this week in golf’s toughest test of the year, but Clark allegedly unleashed his fury on the lockers in the famed clubhouse.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 15 June 2025
  • Lawrence of Arabia When our band of heroes crash land on a desert moon, there are several shots of them succumbing to the fury of the hot weather.
    Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 14 June 2025
Verb
  • The borderline third-strike call enraged Mets manager Carlos Mendoza, who erupted from the dugout and was quickly ejected for arguing.
    Peter Sblendorio, Hartford Courant, 6 July 2025
  • Massie enraged the president by opposing Trump's continuing resolution that would keep the government operating.
    Scott Wartman, The Enquirer, 4 July 2025
Noun
  • Guzman-Feliz’s death sparked widespread outrage and calls for justice, with the hashtag #JusticeForJunior gaining traction across social media and prompting citywide demonstrations and tributes.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 30 June 2025
  • Although the men have reached the legal age of consent, outrage has ensued.
    Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • Perhaps Trump just wanted to annoy his counterparts, especially those on the continent.
    Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 14 July 2025
  • But Cotton, annoyed by Hank’s indirectness and emotion, browbeats his son.
    Daniel Dockery, Vulture, 7 July 2025
Noun
  • Claiming persecution becomes more believable when it is coupled with the righteous indignation of the wronged.
    Lubna Zeidan, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
  • Some Trump allies have expressed skepticism — and at times outright indignation — at the idea of the U.S. involved in another conflict in the Middle East, while others have offered wholehearted support.
    Alex Gangitano, The Hill, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • Arriving in 2014 – after earning the wrath of the Egyptian government for covering the Arab Spring as a freelance journalist – one of Greater Cincinnati’s newest immigration detainees has lived in Oregon, Chicago and Cincinnati.
    Patricia Gallagher Newberry, The Enquirer, 11 July 2025
  • Democrats weren’t the only ones to feel the wrath of Minaj on Tuesday.
    Michael Saponara, Billboard, 9 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Anger.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anger. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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