ANGER Synonyms: 143 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'anger' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of anger are fury , indignation , ire , rage , and wrath . While all these words mean "an intense emotional state induced by displeasure," 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 'indignation' be used to replace 'anger'?

In some situations, the words indignation and anger are roughly equivalent. However, indignation stresses righteous anger at what one considers unfair, mean, or shameful. // a comment that caused general indignation

Q: In what contexts can 'ire' take the place of 'anger'?

The meanings of ire and anger largely overlap; however, ire , more frequent in literary contexts, suggests an intense anger, often with an evident display of feeling. // cheeks flushed with ire

Q: How do 'rage' and 'fury' relate to one another, in the sense of 'anger'?

Both rage and fury suggest loss of self-control from violence of emotion. // shook with rage // could not contain his fury

Q: Where would 'wrath' be a reasonable alternative to 'anger'?

While the synonyms wrath and anger 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

anger 1 of 2

noun

ˈaŋ-gər

Definition of anger next

as in indignation

an intense emotional state of displeasure with someone or something managed to stifle his anger when the receptionist put him on hold for the third time

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

anger

2 of 2

verb

as in to infuriate

to make angry it's virtually impossible to anger Mrs. Peterson—she's the most easygoing person I've ever known

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun anger differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of anger are fury, indignation, ire, rage, and wrath. While all these words mean "an intense emotional state induced by displeasure," anger, the most general term, names the reaction but by itself does not convey cause or intensity.

tried to hide his anger

When could indignation be used to replace anger?

In some situations, the words indignation and anger are roughly equivalent. However, 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 anger?

The meanings of ire and anger largely overlap; however, ire, more frequent in literary contexts, suggests an intense anger, often with an evident display of feeling.

cheeks flushed with ire

How do rage and fury relate to one another, in the sense of anger?

Both rage and fury suggest loss of self-control from violence of emotion.

shook with rage

could not contain his fury

Where would wrath be a reasonable alternative to anger?

While the synonyms wrath and anger 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 anger

Noun

Pretty sure that emotional progression broke a land speed record for a human to move from denial to anger to acceptance. —

Sara Netzley, EW.com, 19 Dec. 2024 This alleged targeted attack has fueled anger toward the health insurance industry, with some people even praising the shooter's actions on social media. —

Emma Bowman, NPR, 19 Dec. 2024

Verb

Sure, Genevieve’s said Andy’s name a bunch, but Caroline doesn’t want to anger Sue by not voting for Kyle. —

Nick Caruso, TVLine, 27 Nov. 2024 During the presidential campaign, Adams angered fellow Democrats by declining to criticize Trump, fueling speculation in some quarters that Adams was hopeful, if elected, Trump could help him with his legal conundrum. —

Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 26 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for anger

Recent Examples of Synonyms for anger

Noun

Trump has skated again and could care less about their indignation.

Letters to the Editor, Orlando Sentinel, 6 Dec. 2024
Trowbridge is so concerned that he’s posted officers at both of her residences (something Dennison describes with arid indignation as a spectacular misuse of public monies).

Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2024