1
as in agony
a state of great suffering of body or mind
the upcoming bar exam is causing us considerable distress the survivors were in extreme distress after having been stranded on the island for a week with no food
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in risk
the state of not being protected from injury, harm, or evil
a ship in distress
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to alarm
to trouble the mind of; to make uneasy
don't let all the bad news distress you
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of distress
Lexi Nicklaus, Baltimore Sun, 28 Apr. 2026
His ex-wife said attorneys were notified before the family, adding to the distress.
—Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 28 Apr. 2026
Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 29 Jan. 2026
The dark wood has been stained and distressed for a rustic finish.
—Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for distress
Noun
The lawsuit includes claims of negligence against the school and allegations of battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress against O’Brien.
—Lexi Nicklaus, Baltimore Sun, 28 Apr. 2026
His ex-wife said attorneys were notified before the family, adding to the distress.
—Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
Ecru denim also made an appearance, baggy and distressed for a grittier winter look.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 29 Jan. 2026
The dark wood has been stained and distressed for a rustic finish.
—Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for distress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distress
Noun
-
The breakup with Claude is why Mathias left Lyon and radically changed his life, and their encounter brings his romantic agony rushing back.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
30 Apr. 2026
-
That’s a woman reaching up in agony and fear.—
Abid Rahman,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Police had been contacted by Thiamphanit's friends twice the day before her body was found, but the case was allegedly considered medium-risk, per The Times.—
Samira Asma-Sadeque,
PEOPLE,
30 Apr. 2026
-
And as climate change is likely to cause more storms in the future, more people will be put at risk.—
Devika Rao,
TheWeek,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Many researchers, advocates and policy experts are alarmed by this White House policy.—
Alison Barkoff,
The Conversation,
29 Apr. 2026
-
But the city stressed that this operation would not be for a data center, which remains a source of contention for many residents alarmed by their proliferation across the state.—
Catherine Muccigrosso,
Charlotte Observer,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
He was injured and absent from the squad that lost the Championship play-off final here two years ago, but, on this occasion, he would not be spared that especially severe kind of anguish under the arch.—
Beren Cross,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
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Yet, Seth and Bynum are skeptical of Herold, whose torment and anguish cloaks him better than his long grey coat.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The only major difference between now and then is that Edwards is now in danger of being dragged down with his ship.—
Steve Madeley,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
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Armed federal agents broke down the door while executing a warrant for someone else, and rounded up the people inside without properly determining whether Juan was a flight risk or a danger to the community, said Lear, his immigration attorney.—
Elizabeth Hernandez,
Denver Post,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
There’s a lot to be concerned about.—
Emma Hinchliffe,
Fortune,
28 Apr. 2026
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The king’s visit with a deeply divisive American president, who himself has been compared to a monarch, threatens to further divide Americans concerning the British royals.—
Karissa Waddick,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Police said the victim sustained visible injuries to his hand and reported additional pain and possible scrapes to his shin.—
Stepheny Price , Jasmine Baehr,
FOXNews.com,
2 May 2026
-
But climbing costs are causing pain at the pump for some Americans already struggling to afford their bills.—
Michael Loria,
USA Today,
2 May 2026
Noun
-
Boullet’s Poe is, unfortunately, even worse, just the latest in an apparently endless string of prestige cable teens who exist only to be placed in inopportune jeopardy.—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
30 Apr. 2026
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Even serving liquid nutrition products like Ensure to patients could put hospitals in jeopardy, Means warned.—
Stephanie Armour,
CBS News,
30 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Distress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distress. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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