1
as in painful
hard to accept or bear especially emotionally
agonizing cries rose up from the dungeon
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in wrenching
intensely or unbearably painful
died an agonizing death
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1
as in suffering
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2
as in indecision
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1
as in plaguing
to cause persistent suffering to
got into more trouble, further agonizing her poor mother
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2
as in grieving
to feel deep sadness or mental pain
agonized for days over whether she'd done the right thing
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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of agonizing
Byjennifer Couzin-Frankel, science.org, 14 Nov. 2024
For people who were close to Cliff Lambert, the still-unresolved legal saga surrounding his brutal killing more than a decade ago has been agonizing.
—Tim Stelloh, NBC News, 4 Nov. 2024
She would later be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, and over the next long, agonizing decade, this loving, kind person became angry and suspicious, often lashing out at family members.
—Jessie Van Amburg, SELF, 25 Nov. 2024
That led him to the agonizing conclusion that season-ending surgery was the best route for a young career with plenty of future upside.
—Anthony Slater, The Athletic, 21 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for agonizing 
Adjective
But even in the worst cases of lupus, the decline—though agonizing—is much slower.
—Byjennifer Couzin-Frankel, science.org, 14 Nov. 2024
For people who were close to Cliff Lambert, the still-unresolved legal saga surrounding his brutal killing more than a decade ago has been agonizing.
—Tim Stelloh, NBC News, 4 Nov. 2024
She would later be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, and over the next long, agonizing decade, this loving, kind person became angry and suspicious, often lashing out at family members.
—Jessie Van Amburg, SELF, 25 Nov. 2024
That led him to the agonizing conclusion that season-ending surgery was the best route for a young career with plenty of future upside.
—Anthony Slater, The Athletic, 21 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for agonizing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for agonizing
Adjective
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Other ministers told their flocks that God was present even in painful, traumatic moments.Natalie Eilbert, Journal Sentinel, 24 Dec. 2024
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After all, a ring that is too big can easily slip off, while a ring that’s too small can be painful.Shelby Wax, Vogue, 24 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Indeed, both Hollywood and institutions like Harvard have a role to play in reducing the suffering of homelessness.Jeremy Barber, TIME, 23 Dec. 2024
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His own mom’s struggles, and her death further prodded him to write a story on the pain and sufferings of a mother.Sweta Kaushal, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Barron is a good skater with a decent shot and strong offensive instincts, but his game in his own end has suffered from moments of indecision and a lack of assertiveness in killing plays, leading to extended shifts in the defensive zone.Arpon Basu, The Athletic, 19 Dec. 2024
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The Christmas lights are on, party season is in full swing and the debilitating indecision that haunts shopping for family members is building.Paul Caputo, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Saying something doesn't remind a grieving friend of their loss.Malaka Gharib, NPR, 23 Dec. 2024
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The holidays can be difficult for people who are grieving or don't have anyone nearby with whom to celebrate.Gael Langdon, arkansasonline.com, 23 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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In part because Colombian troops were unable to traverse harsh jungles, Panama declared an effectively bloodless independence within hours in November 1903.Will Weissert, Los Angeles Times, 24 Dec. 2024
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Relying on harsh overhead lighting can cause a room to feel clinical and cold while too few lights make a room feel dim and sleepy.Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 24 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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His other contributions of 7, 5, 11 and 3 have been hard to watch for their torturous uncertainty.Tim Ellis, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
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Frantic searches for gas and plywood, relentless debates over staying or going, and the torturous uncertainty of a wobbly track came down to one moment Wednesday night: Landfall.Kathryn Varn, Axios, 10 Oct. 2024
Noun
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This rare moment of hesitation from a man who is usually so sure-footed in the recording studio underscores the paradox of Edgar Barrera: a towering figure in Latin music who is most often behind the scenes.Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 19 Dec. 2024
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Even after the invasion, the Biden administration’s assistance to Ukraine was beset by hesitation, needless restrictions, and endless deliberation.Mitch McConnell, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2024
Verb
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The imagery of The Pink Opaque’s Midnight Realm is frightening, but the potent themes and aching nostalgia are what will keep you up at night.Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2024
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Risotto, in other words, is governed by a set of laws that are rooted in tradition, rich in common sense, and aching to be broken or bent.Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 16 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near agonizing
Cite this Entry
“Agonizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/agonizing. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.
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