wrath

Definition of wrathnext
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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 Mullin will also face congressional Democrats’ wrath as lawmakers on Capitol Hill have already begun to investigate DHS for the massive contracts to individuals and companies that were inexperienced, had connections to Noem’s staff, or contained other irregularities. Anna Giaritelli, The Washington Examiner, 27 Mar. 2026 The second-year former first-round draft pick didn’t even have to be on the floor to face Doncic’s wrath. Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026 There’s Diem’s grandparents, Grace (Lauren Graham) and Patrick (Bradley Whitford), who are well-meaning but full of righteous wrath about the woman who was responsible for their son’s death. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 11 Mar. 2026 Mayor Mamdani and his team want to position themselves as heroes battling the wrath of bad landlords, while shielding the work, or lack thereof, of this administration (and previous administrations) and not answer for its own neglect. Renee Collymore, New York Daily News, 11 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wrath
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wrath
Noun
  • In response to that outpouring of anger, the government said Starmer acknowledged fear within the community.
    Alexander Smith, NBC news, 1 May 2026
  • The anger is understandable, but it’s pointed in the wrong direction.
    Robert Johnson, Rolling Stone, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • In its decision, the court noted that the point of disciplinary action was not punishment, but to protect the public from further misconduct by an attorney and other attorneys.
    Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 30 Apr. 2026
  • The jury will decide his punishment.
    Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Rhys, long an expert at instilling indignation with soulful sentiment, gets pushed further here.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Racing’s indignation over that, as well as that of anger in the general public, prompted the formation by Congress of a bill that would ban the slaughter of horses in the United States.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Dallas’ power play looks borderline unstoppable, and Minnesota’s penalty kill looks overwhelmed.
    Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • The penalties were imposed in September after an investigation by the sheriff’s internal affairs unit.
    Kelly Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • While dubbed a conspiracy theory by skeptics, the controversy has sparked mounting pressure and national fury.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 25 Apr. 2026
  • As their mutual competitiveness grows shockingly ugly, Niall learns to turn Ruben’s Samsonian strength and fury against him, knocking down the pillars of Ruben’s own life.
    Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The government of Armenia is trying to warm its formerly tense relationship with Israel in an effort to overhaul its foreign policy, but its overtures are being met with outrage from the public.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 25 Apr. 2026
  • But Bastian’s remarks about what happens next quickly sparked outrage across social media.
    Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Before his trial, Hitchcock pulled back his confession and said his brother, Richard Hitchcock — Cindy’s stepfather — killed the girl in a fit of rage after discovering James Hitchcock and the girl willingly in bed together.
    Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Over 150 wildfires rage across Georgia and Florida as scientists point to drought, gusty winds, and dead trees from Hurricane Helene as key factors amplifying fire threat.
    Emilie Megnien, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The Nuremberg rallies were simply political stage plays, with music from Wagner, drums, symmetrical marching formations, red flags, and gatherings often held in darkness to heighten the mood.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Apr. 2026
  • But then comes Mother Mary, and the mood changes as if someone had dimmed the lights in the theater without warning.
    Maddalena Gomez, Vanity Fair, 27 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Wrath.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wrath. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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