1
as in painful
hard to accept or bear especially emotionally
relatives had to make the torturous decision to disconnect the patient's life-support system
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2
as in wrenching
intensely or unbearably painful
the post-infection treatment for rabies was as notoriously torturous as the disease itself
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of torturous
Now, five years after the declaration of a worldwide COVID-19 pandemic and three years past seeing how torturous a death the virus can bring, Shaver says the experience gave her a new perspective on life.
—
Tammy Ljungblad, Kansas City Star, 22 Mar. 2025
Their decision came shortly after Alabama introduced the method to the public in January 2024, during the controversial and disputed execution of Kenny Smith, whose death was described by several witnesses, including reporters, as potentially torturous.
—Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 11 Feb. 2025
The crane-hunt proposal reminds some observers of Wisconsin’s torturous experience with approving a mourning dove hunt a generation ago.
—Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 17 Jan. 2025
The Lombardi is more Holy Grail than trophy, the end of what can only be described as a torturous emotional pilgrimage.
—Ali Watkins, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for torturous
Tammy Ljungblad, Kansas City Star, 22 Mar. 2025
Their decision came shortly after Alabama introduced the method to the public in January 2024, during the controversial and disputed execution of Kenny Smith, whose death was described by several witnesses, including reporters, as potentially torturous.
—Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 11 Feb. 2025
The crane-hunt proposal reminds some observers of Wisconsin’s torturous experience with approving a mourning dove hunt a generation ago.
—Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 17 Jan. 2025
The Lombardi is more Holy Grail than trophy, the end of what can only be described as a torturous emotional pilgrimage.
—Ali Watkins, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for torturous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for torturous
Adjective
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But amidst this painful reality, a story rooted in joy, agency, and radical self-determination is emerging.—
Stephanie Long,
Essence,
17 Apr. 2025
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This is especially painful for individuals who are approaching Medicare eligibility, as a conversion might result in substantially higher premiums for Medicare Part B and Part D prescription coverage.—
Darla Mercado, CFP®,
CNBC,
17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Hope reigns even in this harsh political climate we Americans are now experiencing.—
Bea L. Hines,
Miami Herald,
17 Apr. 2025
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Several previous town halls gave a platform to politically damaging attacks on GOP lawmakers over Trump’s policies and especially the harsh cuts in government agencies engineered by billionaire first buddy Elon Musk.—
Dave Goldiner,
New York Daily News,
16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Their injuries are stomach-turning, their cries agonizing.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
11 Apr. 2025
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In the agonizing time since, he’s endured a regimen of demanding physical therapy, and even stem-cell injections.—
David Browne,
Rolling Stone,
8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Everybody else has no choice, really, other than to bring a cruel, narcissistic far-right leader to power.—
Isaac Chotiner,
New Yorker,
10 Apr. 2025
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Jokes that didn’t land with the squad The kids in Bad Influence say the pranks were the most cruel.—
Olivia B. Waxman,
Time,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Photo: Courtesy Everett Collection The pressure doing the show was excruciating.—
Mark Seliger,
Vulture,
7 Apr. 2025
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After a bout of excruciating indecision, Bachelor Grant Ellis finally made his choice between Litia and Juliana in the season 29 finale.—
Kristen Baldwin,
EW.com,
25 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The missions became more intense as Japan's outlook grew more dire and the military showcased the sacrifice of the pilots to drum up patriotism and support for the war.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2025
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Her message prompted an intense, impassioned reaction.—
Armon Sadler,
VIBE.com,
10 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Torturous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/torturous. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
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