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rage

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun rage differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of rage are anger, fury, indignation, ire, 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

Where would anger be a reasonable alternative to rage?

The words anger and rage can be used in similar contexts, but anger, the most general term, names the reaction but by itself does not convey cause or intensity.

tried to hide his anger

When can indignation be used instead of rage?

While in some cases nearly identical to rage, indignation stresses righteous anger at what one considers unfair, mean, or shameful.

a comment that caused general indignation

In what contexts can ire take the place of rage?

While the synonyms ire and rage are close in meaning, ire, more frequent in literary contexts, suggests an intense anger, often with an evident display of feeling.

cheeks flushed with ire

When is it sensible to use wrath instead of rage?

The synonyms wrath and rage are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 rage
Noun
In: Belt Bags Pander 2L Large Belt Bag $20 $16 at Amazon Out: Crossbody Bags Crossbody bags were once all the rage, but in recent years, belt bags have become the must-have travel purse that everyone’s wearing. Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 28 Mar. 2025 Other YouTube users hate-watch fake trailers and rage in the comments below. Jake Kanter, Deadline, 28 Mar. 2025
Verb
Multiple wildfires fueled by strong winds and dry weather have been raging across South Korea's southeastern regions since last Friday. Arkansas Online, 28 Mar. 2025 Three years later, the Expos played their final game in Montreal and moved to Washington, D.C., beginning a turf war with the Orioles that raged for two decades. Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rage
Noun
  • Pete Alonso’s game-tying three-run home run in the eighth inning was the signature moment — a blast over the center field wall that sent the Mets’ dugout into a frenzy and temporarily turned loanDepot park into Citi Field South.
    Noah Gulley, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2025
  • This seems like a win-win situation, offering expertise to these young adults and introducing them to a world which too often was a frenzy of agents, publicists, etc whose own bottom lines were more paramount than any of the student-athletes needs.
    Kennington Smith III, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
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
  • Unlike Molly, who's politely reticent and reluctant to speak up for herself, Nikki can't resist expressing her anger and sorrow—or, more precisely, dramatizing them for whatever audience of oncologists happens to be in range.
    Dory Jackson, People.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Hall started the company during the early 20th century postcard craze, originally operating out of a bookstore in Norfolk, Nebraska, with his brothers, William and Rollie.
    Monty Davis, Kansas City Star, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Those cautionary words didn’t keep direct-to-consumer genetic testing from becoming something of a craze, bolstered by publicity about celebrities responding to genetic indicators.
    Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Regular exercise and movement amp up blood flow to the brain and slow the onset of memory loss and dementia.
    Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Unmarried older adults in the U.S. were less likely to develop dementia than those who were married, according to a new study of 24,000 Americans.
    Carly Mallenbaum, Axios, 2 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • After Cooper Flagg knocked down a pair of free throws at the 11:54 mark to give the Blue Devils a 56-42 lead, Houston stormed back with a relentless 28-11 run to complete a stunning rally and punch their ticket to the title game.
    John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Opposition lawmakers have accused Yoon of inciting his most extreme followers to violence, after a pro-Yoon mob stormed and defaced the courthouse that issued his arrest warrant in January.
    Max Kim, Los Angeles Times, 4 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • While steaming, be sure to hold the steamer nozzle upright so hot water doesn't spill or dribble out.
    Katelyn Squiers, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Apr. 2025
  • But the game also marked the return of one of the world’s most legendary stadium eats: the Dodger Dog, an icon since 1962, which features a 10-inch pork hot dog that’s either grilled or steamed.
    Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2025
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
Noun
  • 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
  • The Baldwins shame him, but their righteous indignation feels insincere considering Baldwin wasn’t using her name in that footage with detectives.
    Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rage. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

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