1
as in to persecute
to cause persistent suffering to
got into more trouble, further agonizing her poor mother
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to grieve
to feel deep sadness or mental pain
agonized for days over whether she'd done the right thing
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of agonize
The outcome, in a package with a gross value of €30 billion ($33 billion) for 2025, ends weeks of government agonizing over how to reconcile a vow to accelerate Italy’s deficit cutting with the political necessity of meeting expensive election promises.
—
Kali Hays, Fortune Europe, 16 Oct. 2024
The Intel board agonized over the situation but followed management’s plan to maintain investment in R&D and build new factories.
—Craig Barrett, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2024
Phillips said the experience of having his work changed, facing hostility from his supervisors and agonizing about whether and how to alert authorities was traumatic.
—Sharon Lerner, ProPublica, 18 Sep. 2024
But even as Hope’s situation improved, Kotb agonized over the demands on her time.
—Charlotte Triggs, People.com, 9 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for agonize 
Kali Hays, Fortune Europe, 16 Oct. 2024
The Intel board agonized over the situation but followed management’s plan to maintain investment in R&D and build new factories.
—Craig Barrett, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2024
Phillips said the experience of having his work changed, facing hostility from his supervisors and agonizing about whether and how to alert authorities was traumatic.
—Sharon Lerner, ProPublica, 18 Sep. 2024
But even as Hope’s situation improved, Kotb agonized over the demands on her time.
—Charlotte Triggs, People.com, 9 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for agonize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for agonize
Verb
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Charles also joined a Catholic congregation supporting a charity helping Christians persecuted across the Middle East and the globe.—
Simon Perry,
People.com,
2 Jan. 2025
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Of course, traitors to the Empire were persecuted and executed too.—
Fran Ruiz,
Space.com,
28 Dec. 2024
Verb
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One mom is grieving what once was while looking to share her childhood with her kids in a new way.—
Sharisse Tracey,
Parents,
17 Jan. 2025
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And a little digging shows that the song wasn’t written until 1907 or recorded until 1909 — how could the grieving little girl possibly know it?—
Kimberly Roots,
TVLine,
17 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The Bulls were plagued by injuries, mainly to Lonzo Ball and Zach LaVine, and never finished better than sixth in the Eastern Conference with DeRozan in tow.—
Chris Biderman,
Sacramento Bee,
12 Jan. 2025
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In Britain, bovine tuberculosis has plagued cattle and dairy farmers since the eighteen-hundreds.—
Anna Russell,
The New Yorker,
10 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The announcement comes after the president and first lady arrived in Los Angeles late Monday after traveling to New Orleans to mourn with the community after the deadly New Year's Day vehicle attack in the French Quarter.—
Tommy Tuberville,
Newsweek,
9 Jan. 2025
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County Rescue series lead Julia Reilly mourned the actor's death by sharing Great American Media's statement on her Instagram Stories and a photo of them together.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
People.com,
7 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Still many have struggled with insurance coverage and storage efforts, with those working in these industries often personally afflicted themselves.—
Francesca Aton,
ARTnews.com,
10 Jan. 2025
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Nursing homes, day cares and other places that serve people who may have weakened immune systems often use egg products for this reason. not be left out In recent years, another nasty bug has been afflicting poultry and, in turn, egg production.—
Tanya Lewis,
Scientific American,
10 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Proprietors of once-bustling shops that sell everything from lighting fixtures and doors to toilet bowls are aching for customers.—
Keith Bradsher,
New York Times,
17 Jan. 2025
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My heart aches for all of these people who are suffering.—
Judy L. Thomas,
Kansas City Star,
16 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Antetokounmpo dominated the game as a facilitator, torturing the Spurs’ help defenders with his passing, tallying eight assists to go along with his 25 points and 16 rebounds.—
Eric Nehm,
The Athletic,
9 Jan. 2025
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Jail records show he's not charged with first-degree murder of a child by injuring, torturing or maiming.—
Sean Neumann,
People.com,
7 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Towering white and red pines sighed softly overhead.—
Al Wolter,
Outdoor Life,
10 Jan. 2025
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In an Atwater Village Chipotle, customers and employees alike sighed and picked up their phones.—
Terry Castleman,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near agonize
Cite this Entry
“Agonize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/agonize. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
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