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

Examples 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 Working with great discipline and with zero timidity, the writer-director is unafraid to provoke feminist indignation by revealing Romy’s complicity in her subjugation. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019 Righteous indignation is the language of the day, and predictions about the death of the transatlantic alliance abound. Jeremy Shapiro, Foreign Affairs, 15 May 2018 However, in the process of trying to get his client out of jail from her 18-month involuntary manslaughter guilty verdict, Gutierrez-Reed’s lawyer Jason Bowles was quick to dismiss Morrissey’s latest indignation today. Dominic Patten, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2024 By 1936, the indignation had subsided, and coverage of the movement declined with it. Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for indignation 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for indignation
Noun
  • Then came the anger, hurt and all that goes with it.
    R. Eric Thomas, The Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2024
  • This means asking them to let go of any anger and resentment toward you, but don’t force anything.
    Hylke Faber, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • In today’s deal, North’s leap to four hearts is preemptive, and West doubles that outrage with his 23 high-card points.
    Frank Stewart, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024
  • Pressure mounts in Israel for hostage deal The articles were published days after six Israeli hostages were found dead in a tunnel in Gaza, sparking Israeli protests and outrage at Netanyahu, who the families of some hostages see as sabotaging a cease-fire deal for his own political gain.
    Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA TODAY, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Read more Trump remarks about shots fired 'through the fake news' spark fury online Who is Ann Selzer?
    David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Nov. 2024
  • Summon the fury of the elements and turn the X-Men’s most electric leader into your next commander.
    Jennifer Maas, Variety, 18 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • Russia’s wrath hangs over Georgia elections Saturday's election will pit the Moscow-leaning Georgian Dream government against several pro-Western opposition parties, among them the United National Movement party founded by Saakashvili in 2001.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 26 Oct. 2024
  • As villagers attempt to thwart her ghostly presence, Nak’s wrath and enduring love become forces to reckon with.
    Patrick Frater, Variety, 8 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • Devin Williams received back-to-back sentences of 25 years to life in prison for the fatal shootings of Maria and Benison Tran, who were shot at near point-blank range after Williams snuck into their Dublin home and confronted them in a fit of jealous rage.
    Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 12 Nov. 2024
  • How to cope right now Don’t suppress your emotions, process them In the immediate aftermath of the election results, you may be flooded with emotions ranging from despair to rage.
    Allie Volpe, Vox, 11 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • The returns came as voters appeared in a mood for wholesale changes at the highest levels of the East Bay’s political scene.
    Shomik Mukherjee, The Mercury News, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Plus, in its autumnal shades of orange and pink, Lively’s look matched the mood of the season.
    Christian Allaire, Vogue, 3 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near indignation

Cite this Entry

“Indignation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indignation. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on indignation

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