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 There is, however, indignation among Canadian media players that mirrors the public’s feelings of betrayal and anger toward Trump’s government. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 18 Apr. 2025 As long as there’s a perception of harm, there’s a potential for outrage, because fear and moral indignation are inextricably linked. Elizabeth Kolbert, The New Yorker, 13 Jan. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for indignation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for indignation
Noun
  • Down encourages readers to use their righteous anger toward rebuilding a fractured world.
    Shannon Carlin, Time, 22 May 2025
  • Told in the first person, the story explores a lot of the feelings that Helen experiences: frustration and anger and love for her friend.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 21 May 2025
Noun
  • The killing ignited international outrage and massive protests during a pandemic that had already rocked the nation.
    Greg Braxton, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2025
  • In addition, a customer usually won’t know how much of the code was written using AI, so there won’t be any public outrage, as is the case with self-driving cars.
    Victor Erukhimov, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • But director Tony Scott makes the most of the racing sequences, up-close bursts of speed and fury that put you right in the thick of the action.
    James Mercadante, EW.com, 20 May 2025
  • In another example, also reported by Newsweek, a post showing a photo of several bags occupying multiple seats at an airport gate sparked fury among netizens.
    Matthew Impelli, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025
Noun
  • No one wants to die in an America of wrath and vengeance.
    Christine Ledbetter, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2025
  • Against this backdrop, Moscow may be tempted to scare Europe into submission, and some Europeans might choose appeasement rather than risk Russia’s wrath.
    Liana Fix, Foreign Affairs, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • Diddy was accused of blowing up Kid Cudi’s car in a jealous rage Shortly after finding out about their relationship, Combs allegedly threatened to blow up Mescudi's car, as detailed in the lawsuit.
    Jordana Comiter, People.com, 22 May 2025
  • Haliburton, the star Indiana Pacers point guard, appeared to have missed the attempt that would pierce their hearts, turn their stomachs into mush and transform their minds into a cauldron of rage.
    Sean Gregory, Time, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • And his aesthetic keeps pace with Brendan Mills’ excellent editing, in changing mood from the jittery, quick-cut, handheld first half to a steadier, more contemplative last act as Lu’s treks across the boroughs become longer and slower and exhaustion begins to set in.
    Jessica Kiang, Variety, 21 May 2025
  • The endorphins lifted my mood, and the physical challenge inspired me to rework my diet and make healthier choices.
    Brandi Watterson, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Indignation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indignation. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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