INDIGNATION Synonyms: 89 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

indignation

noun

ˌin-dig-ˈnā-shən

Definition of indignation next

as in anger

an intense emotional state of displeasure with someone or something their indignation at the offensive television show led them to start a grassroots campaign for its cancellation

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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 On stage, Jackson (who also originated the role of Boy Willie back in 1987, when The Piano Lesson debuted at the Yale Rep) commanded the audience’s attention with weary indignation. —

Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 13 Sep. 2024 Though this caused quite the chaos and indignation in the industry, in 2016 Rossellini once again accepted the invitation to be their spokesmodel and muse. —

Stacia Datskovska, WWD, 5 Jan. 2025 While this also made headlines and spurred indignation, AI’s environmental impacts are still far from being common knowledge. —

Sasha Luccioni, WIRED, 18 Dec. 2024 This choice took many people online by surprise, which, of course, meant many sprinted to social media to express their anger and indignation. —

Callum Booth, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for indignation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for indignation

Noun

Tapping into his own anger helped bring Kelly's character out, Sullivan explains.

— Abigail Adams, People.com, 14 Feb. 2025
Each take, often running over 12 minutes long, captured the rawness of her journey — her anger, her tears, and her vulnerability.

— Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 14 Feb. 2025