wrath

noun

ˈrath How to pronounce wrath (audio)
Definition of wrathnext
1
as in anger
an intense emotional state of displeasure with someone or something waited until my initial wrath had eased before voicing my complaint

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in punishment
suffering, loss, or hardship imposed in response to a crime or offense the evangelist warned the gathering that unrepentant sinners would suffer the wrath of God

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Paul’s father is the righteous wrath of society, looking down on his son’s fecklessness with the zealotry of an irascible Fox News addict who doesn’t see any value at all in arts funding. —Damon Wise, Deadline, 29 Aug. 2025 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has sought to tread a thin line between placating Polish sensitivities and avoiding the wrath of nationalist Ukrainians. —Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 25 Aug. 2025 So why has the New Haven Ivy—considered a bastion of liberalism for the past decade—felt none of his wrath? —Clara Molot, Air Mail, 23 Aug. 2025 Incurring the wrath of the fairy folk for spilling milk, that’s what. —Lincee Ray Published, EW.com, 22 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wrath
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wrath
  1. anger
  2. punishment
  3. indignation
  4. penalty
  5. fury
  6. outrage
  7. rage
  8. mood
Noun
  • But the anger and radicalization have to be managed by Democratic leaders, if not for the sake of the country, then at least to avoid a political backlash.
    — W. James Antle III, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Burning anti-establishment anger helped lay the path for his successful 2018 presidential run, with dozens of far-right and conservative lawmakers elected on his coattails.
    — Ricardo Brito, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
Definition of anger
Noun
  • That the Sky’s punishment will last longer than five minutes is merely a reflection of their place in the standings.
    — Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Inter Miami players Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Tomas Aviles, and Seattle Sounders staff member Steven Lenhart, received multiple game suspensions from the 2026 Leagues Cup as punishment for their behavior during a post-game brawl following Sunday’s Leagues Cup final.
    — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
Definition of punishment
Noun
  • And rather than indignation or rage or fury, what comes through in the letters is his sheer amazement at being in this predicament.
    — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 10 Sep. 2025
  • But reacting with indignation has not been an option for Lee.
    — Karina Tsui, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025
Definition of indignation
Noun
  • Prosecutors charged him with threatening a federal official and making threats to injure — felonies carrying maximum penalties of 10 and 20 years.
    — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The referee threw a flag on the play, calling a 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalty on Tart.
    — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025
Definition of penalty
Noun
  • Implementing the necessary security measures for his arrival meant that the game was delayed by almost an hour—sparking fury among those waiting to be let in to the stadium.
    — Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
  • It’s set in a small-town community in upstate New York, where the long-gray-haired and bearded Monsignor Jefferson Wicks (Josh Brolin) is the contempo version of a fire-and-brimstone cult leader, preaching fury in the form of piety.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 7 Sep. 2025
Definition of fury
Noun
  • Trump was made aware of the incident on Sunday and expressed outrage in a speech on Monday.
    — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Additionally, where is the outrage from the Mainstream Media on this horrible tragedy?
    — Khaleda Rahman Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
Definition of outrage
Noun
  • At least 19 people died in protests in Nepal’s capital and other cities, after rage over a social-media shutdown and corruption led to violent clashes between the police and young demonstrators.
    — Chad de Guzman, Time, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Genius dazzles down the ages, but so do fits of rage.
    — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025
Definition of rage
Noun
  • Perfectly roomy with a bit of effortless slouch for a relaxed feel, the Balance Bucket is available in both black and brown suede, plus black leather, to complement every mood and lifestyle.
    — Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Wrought-iron bed frames and de-silvered mirrors play into the mood of a seaside inn.
    — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 10 Sep. 2025
Definition of mood

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wrap-ups
wrath
wrathful
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Cite this Entry

“Wrath.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wrath. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

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