fury

noun

ˈfyu̇r-ē How to pronounce fury (audio)
Definition of furynext
1
as in shrew
a bad-tempered scolding woman tradition has it that Socrates' wife was such a fury that the philosopher's death sentence by the authorities was not an entirely unwelcome fate

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in frenzy
a state of wildly excited activity or emotion the sudden appearance of the rock star whipped the crowd of onlookers into a fury of excitement

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in anger
an intense emotional state of displeasure with someone or something in his fury, the duped gambler overturned the card table and declared that the game had been fixed

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun fury differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of fury are anger, indignation, ire, rage, and wrath. While all these words mean "an intense emotional state induced by displeasure," rage and fury suggest loss of self-control from violence of emotion.

shook with rage
could not contain his fury

When might anger be a better fit than fury?

The synonyms anger and fury are sometimes interchangeable, but anger, the most general term, names the reaction but by itself does not convey cause or intensity.

tried to hide his anger

In what contexts can indignation take the place of fury?

The words indignation and fury are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, indignation stresses righteous anger at what one considers unfair, mean, or shameful.

a comment that caused general indignation

When is it sensible to use ire instead of fury?

The meanings of ire and fury largely overlap; however, ire, more frequent in literary contexts, suggests an intense anger, often with an evident display of feeling.

cheeks flushed with ire

When would wrath be a good substitute for fury?

In some situations, the words wrath and fury are roughly equivalent. However, 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 fury The red end credits fit Gemma's shock and fury perfectly. — Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 21 Mar. 2025 While the Reddit post may have sparked fury, the real question is whether this couple can bridge their communication gap—or if the vacuum cleaner is just a symptom of a much bigger issue. — Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025 Even with boycotts planned through the summer, Shelley Kohan, a Forbes retail contributor, writes that the biggest question is how can consumers voice their fury without tanking the economy. — Dearbea Walker, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025 In Katie’s case, being the object of Jamie’s fury cost her her life. — Judy Berman, TIME, 24 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fury
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fury
  1. shrew
  2. frenzy
  3. anger
  4. rampage
  5. indignation
  6. rage
  7. wrath
  8. outrage
Noun
  • While native mammals span from the endemic Cretan lesser white-toothed shrew to the Blasius’s horseshoe bat, the preserve is perhaps best known for its high concentration of Cretan goats, a type of ruminant that serves as the official mascot of the park.
    — Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
  • According to the Lincoln Park Zoo, northern tree shrews are most closely related to primates and have no relation to actual shrews other than a coincidental resemblance to them.
    — Rhiannon Saegert, Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 2025
Definition of shrew
Noun
  • The patrons went into a frenzy as McIlroy dropped to his knees and started crying, as the dream and goal finally turned into reality.
    — Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 13 Apr. 2025
  • About an hour earlier, Charli XCX had sent the crowd into an all-out frenzy with a set that included surprise appearances from Lorde, Billie Eilish, and Troye Sivan.
    — Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of frenzy
Noun
  • Damn, again, my woulda, shoulda anger steams beneath a somewhat placid exterior.
    — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Aggression For some individuals, the turmoil following a breakup can give rise to an inexplicable burst of anger.
    — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of anger
Noun
  • Later, Su-ho is brought to the hospital, where he is watched over by his grandmother and friends like Si-eun and Yeong-i. Su-ho’s sorry state prompts Si-eun to go on a vengeful rampage to exact violence on anyone involved with the attack.
    — Kayti Burt, Time, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Her 15-month-old dog had managed to break free and go on a destructive rampage before heading back into the crate and taking a nap.
    — Kevin Sabet, Newsweek, 24 Mar. 2025
Definition of rampage
Noun
  • The Smithsonian, the vast complex of museums that millions of Americans visit every year to see Lincoln’s top hat, the Spirit of St. Louis, Harriet Tubman’s shawl, a moon rock, and Dorothy’s ruby slippers, is at the center of the executive order’s indignation.
    — David Remnick, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2025
  • In a moment of feigned indignation, Sandler threatened to storm out of the ceremony, which prompted O'Brien to apologize for his attack.
    — Edward Segarra, USA TODAY, 3 Mar. 2025
Definition of indignation
Noun
  • Seems like podcasts are all the rage these days, so what makes Tracy's any different?
    — Jim Clash, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
  • The year is 2025 and ninjas are once again all the rage.
    — Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 16 Apr. 2025
Definition of rage
Noun
  • Not Choosing Your Trees Wisely The shade of a giant oak certainly has its appeal, but planting one on a five-foot stretch of earth separating your driveway from your neighbor’s is ill-advised and a surefire way to feel the wrath of the family who lives next door.
    — Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Congressional Republicans were not inclined to deny Hegseth his appointment or to risk the President’s wrath.
    — David Remnick, New Yorker, 26 Mar. 2025
Definition of wrath
Noun
  • Video of the incident quickly circulated online and sparked outrage, with family members and neighbors questioning why police did not do more to de-escalate the situation or use non-lethal weapons.
    — Christopher Cann, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Italy has halted talks on a potential $1.5 billion deal for secure government communications amid outrage over threats to cut off Ukraine’s access to Starlink.
    — Jeremy Bogaisky, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of outrage

Browse Nearby Words

furtiveness
fury
fuse
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Cite this Entry

“Fury.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fury. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on fury

Nglish: Translation of fury for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fury

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