1
as in distress
a state of great suffering of body or mind
as a new teacher, she was in real anguish over the decision to report the cheating
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2
as in sorrow
deep sadness especially for the loss of someone or something loved
words can't express my anguish at losing my cat
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to plague
to cause persistent suffering to
she was anguished by the fear that her sons would die in the war
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to grieve
to feel deep sadness or mental pain
I anguished over the loss of my father for years afterwards
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of anguish
Dan Gooding
peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025
As members of the group told Francis about the plight of LGBTQ+ people in the church, including some suicide attempts, Francis clutched the cross around his neck and a look of anguish flashed across his face, DeBernardo says.
—John Blake, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2025
John Yoon, New York Times, 30 Dec. 2024
Abraham Lincoln hated the death penalty and anguished over every case in which he was asked to commute it.
—The Editors, National Review, 16 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for anguish
Noun
For turning pain and anguish into a lasting difference ...
—Dan Gooding
peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025
As members of the group told Francis about the plight of LGBTQ+ people in the church, including some suicide attempts, Francis clutched the cross around his neck and a look of anguish flashed across his face, DeBernardo says.
—John Blake, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2025
Verb
South Korean officials on Monday began the slow, painstaking process of piecing together the many body parts found in the wreckage after the country’s worst plane crash in decades, as hundreds of relatives, waiting to receive the victims’ bodies, grew more anguished by the hour.
—John Yoon, New York Times, 30 Dec. 2024
Abraham Lincoln hated the death penalty and anguished over every case in which he was asked to commute it.
—The Editors, National Review, 16 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for anguish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anguish
Noun
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The organization provides up to eight free mental health and counseling sessions to youth and their families who have experienced gun violence, abuse or emotional distress.—
Kamal Morgan,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
27 May 2025
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Noumea’s Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre notified Carnival Splendor about a distress call from a catamaran while the ship was traveling south of New Caledonia on Thursday, according to a news release.—
Nathan Diller,
USA Today,
24 May 2025
Noun
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Long time residents throughout the Bay Area and beyond will recall the shock and sorrow of Nov. 27, 1978, when White walked into City Hall and shot Milk and Moscone.—
Georgia Rowe,
Mercury News,
28 May 2025
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In fact, research has found that some animal species may indeed use wit to strengthen their bonds in the same way that many have the capacity for love, fear, sorrow, guilt, anger, shame, disgust and empathy – and that primates smile and some rats can giggle.—
Cecilia Rodriguez,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
Verb
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Inside a Palm Beach County courtroom, Judge Kathleen Kroll is trying to tackle a problem that has plagued Florida schools in recent years: An alarming number of students aren’t showing up for school.—
Scott Travis,
Sun Sentinel,
5 June 2025
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But visa issues may plague the lead-up to the event — and not just for athletes but the vast Olympics ecosystem, from coaches and families to sponsors and vendors to, of course, attendees.—
Gary Baum,
HollywoodReporter,
5 June 2025
Verb
-
See how these teens are grieving — and healing — together.—
Elizabeth Robinson,
NBC news,
29 May 2025
-
You are allowed to grieve the version of love that existed uniquely between the two of you.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2025
Noun
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Barking in agony, the fox scratches and claws in any attempt to free itself and get to safety.—
Outside Online,
Outside Online,
28 May 2025
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Michaela calmly explains that Jocelyn got botched plastic surgery that’s kept her in private agony for the last decade.—
Caroline Framke,
Vulture,
23 May 2025
Noun
-
Our expectations are different, and then the grief can be a lot more, and the anger can be a lot more.—
Charles Trepany,
USA Today,
7 June 2025
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Plot details are being kept under wraps, but the series is described as an ensemble drama with comedy and heart about sisterhood, nature vs nurture, complicated family dynamics, and grief.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
6 June 2025
Verb
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Leopoldo chose to be the voice of the people who elected him, and was persecuted for it.—
Imamu "Mu" Tomlinson,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
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After being persecuted for the nature of her work, the political scientist arrived to the U.S. in 2022 on a visa.—
Nicole Acevedo,
NBC news,
27 May 2025
Verb
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Can Joe hoist his aching knees and weary butt back in the competitive saddle?—
Jeannette Catsoulis,
New York Times,
22 May 2025
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But Kealoha offers Lilo a wellspring of sadness and aching loneliness just beneath the surface of her more impish qualities.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
20 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Anguish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anguish. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.
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