Synonym Chooser

How does the noun indignation differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of indignation are anger, fury, ire, rage, and wrath. While all these words mean "an intense emotional state induced by displeasure," indignation stresses righteous anger at what one considers unfair, mean, or shameful.

a comment that caused general indignation

When can anger be used instead of indignation?

The synonyms anger and indignation 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

When could ire be used to replace indignation?

The words ire and indignation are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ire, more frequent in literary contexts, suggests an intense anger, often with an evident display of feeling.

cheeks flushed with ire

How are the words rage and fury related as synonyms of indignation?

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

shook with rage
could not contain his fury

When is it sensible to use wrath instead of indignation?

While the synonyms wrath and indignation 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 indignation The 25% tariffs President Trump announced on Canada and Mexico — which will likely plunge our northern neighbor into recession — have united Canadians of all political stripes in indignation. Avery Lotz, Axios, 25 Feb. 2025 Newcastle United fans will be used to the fact that they aren’t allowed to enjoy these occasions before sports journalists’ chin-stroking moral indignation takes hold. Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025 With love and loss, inspiration and indignation, For Melancholy Brunettes (& Sad Women) is a folk tale, a small-town barroom yarn, a gothic novel, and a ghost story. Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 18 Mar. 2025 Her skin is luminous, pale with indignation. Joyce Carol Oates, The New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for indignation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for indignation
Noun
  • Shock and anger Economists warn the new taxes will result in higher prices and slower growth in the United States — while spilling over into other countries and hurting the global economy.
    Maria Aspan, NPR, 4 Apr. 2025
  • During last year’s presidential campaign, a roadside billboard in Miami that drew comparisons between Trump and dictators like Fidel Castro drew anger from supporters of the president.
    David Catanese, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • The National Parks Service has restored the original Harriet Tubman material featured on a webpage about the Underground Railroad after garnering outrage over its removal.
    David Matthews, New York Daily News, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Rather than working himself into a fury with alcohol, Lennon became more demonstrably affectionate and embraced the act of embracing.
    Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The red end credits fit Gemma's shock and fury perfectly.
    Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 21 Mar. 2025
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
Noun
  • Male rage, particularly on display in parts of the manosphere, has been steadily rising.
    Avivah Wittenberg-Cox, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Also, the trade war rages, and there were mass firings at key scientific agencies.
    Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • But more broadly, a cloudy backdrop — marked by a weakening US economy, trade wars and rising geopolitical tensions — is creating a general risk-off mood in the stock market.
    Bloomberg, The Mercury News, 7 Mar. 2025
  • This may support skin, heart, immune system, and cognitive health, reduce inflammation, and improve energy and mood.
    Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 7 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Indignation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indignation. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.

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