1
as in painful
hard to accept or bear especially emotionally
agonizing cries rose up from the dungeon
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in wrenching
intensely or unbearably painful
died an agonizing death
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in suffering
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in indecision
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in plaguing
to cause persistent suffering to
got into more trouble, further agonizing her poor mother
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in grieving
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of agonizing
Tony Schick, ProPublica, 12 May 2025
Of the 11 films jointly selected to win the Grand Prix, the precursor to the Palme, that year, one, Billy Wilder’s agonizing The Lost Weekend, did, in fact, go on to win the Academy Award for best picture—but that feat wouldn’t be repeated for another decade.
—Radhika Seth, Vogue, 12 May 2025
Both Daniel and Russ offer agonizing testimony—awful life-or-death stuff—and both deserve anonymity.
—Sarah Larson, New Yorker, 12 May 2025
In the documentary series, victims' families recall the day of the accident and the agonizing wait to identify the bodies.
—Isadora Wandermurem, Time, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for agonizing
Adjective
Projects in Limbo David Brown is a case study in the long and agonizing path to breaking ground on a Northwest solar farm.
—Tony Schick, ProPublica, 12 May 2025
Of the 11 films jointly selected to win the Grand Prix, the precursor to the Palme, that year, one, Billy Wilder’s agonizing The Lost Weekend, did, in fact, go on to win the Academy Award for best picture—but that feat wouldn’t be repeated for another decade.
—Radhika Seth, Vogue, 12 May 2025
Both Daniel and Russ offer agonizing testimony—awful life-or-death stuff—and both deserve anonymity.
—Sarah Larson, New Yorker, 12 May 2025
In the documentary series, victims' families recall the day of the accident and the agonizing wait to identify the bodies.
—Isadora Wandermurem, Time, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for agonizing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for agonizing
Adjective
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And sometimes, that transformation, though painful, can deepen our capacity for compassion, connection, and appreciation for the precious gift of life itself.—
Charell G. Coleman,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
-
For millions of Americans, the road to an Alzheimer’s diagnosis is slow and painful, sought only when symptoms become unmistakable.—
Louise Jacobsen Fisher,
The Orlando Sentinel,
4 June 2025
Noun
-
There is no mercy for the suffering of their grieving mothers and fathers.—
Ronald S. Safer,
Chicago Tribune,
30 May 2025
-
Since 2017, Florida has had no caps on pain and suffering awards in medical malpractice suits because the Florida Supreme Court ruled them unconstitutional.—
Kate Plummer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 May 2025
Noun
-
Instead, even after Democrats realized Biden’s campaign couldn’t continue, the party faced nearly a month of indecision.—
Michelle Goldberg,
Mercury News,
17 May 2025
-
This moment of indecision allows Palacios to find Wirtz with space to carry the ball.—
Mark Carey,
New York Times,
16 May 2025
Verb
-
Bereavement hallucinations—intensely vivid encounters with the deceased—are reported by as many as half of all grieving people.—
Adam Gopnik,
The New Yorker,
24 Mar. 2025
-
The Catalan feature tells the stories of Anabel and her mother, Delia, who are grieving for Julián, Anabel’s father.—
Jamie Lang,
Variety,
22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Kilar’s bold moves and harsh comeuppance beg the question: In an age of uncertainty, should Hollywood look to innovative but potentially disruptive outsiders or elevate from within?—
Peter Kiefer,
HollywoodReporter,
4 June 2025
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Instead of internalising every harsh comment, try reframing it as information about their inner world rather than a reflection of your worth.—
Benjamin Laker,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
Adjective
-
In court proceedings in the years to follow, many of Gabriel’s family members, including his siblings Virginia and Ezequiel, testified about the torturous abuse the child experienced at the hands of his mother and her boyfriend.—
Yasmeen Hamadeh,
People.com,
24 May 2025
-
Smith's lawyers filed a lawsuit along with eight other death row inmates challenge Tennessee’s new protocol, saying there is a high risk of torturous death.—
Fernando Cervantes Jr,
USA Today,
23 May 2025
Noun
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However, during the hearing, lobbyists for both the Chiefs and Royals would not commit to staying in Missouri if the plan passed, which could spark hesitation among some senators.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
3 June 2025
-
At the time, there was some hesitation in the industry about partnering with a Chinese drugmaker.—
Kerry A. Dolan,
Forbes.com,
3 June 2025
Verb
-
Wiz could be a turning point for an uncertain IPO market and a mergers and acquisitions environment aching from a slowdown in deal activity.—
Samantha Subin,
CNBC,
24 Mar. 2025
-
In fact, this iteration is a lighter and more cushioned version, with a level of support and shock absorption that ensures your feet are not aching after a day of sightseeing.—
Kristin Braswell,
Travel + Leisure,
20 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Agonizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/agonizing. Accessed 7 Jun. 2025.
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