Synonym Chooser

How does the noun indignation differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of indignation are anger, fury, ire, rage, and wrath. While all these words mean "an intense emotional state induced by displeasure," indignation stresses righteous anger at what one considers unfair, mean, or shameful.

a comment that caused general indignation

When can anger be used instead of indignation?

The synonyms anger and indignation are sometimes interchangeable, but anger, the most general term, names the reaction but by itself does not convey cause or intensity.

tried to hide his anger

When could ire be used to replace indignation?

The words ire and indignation are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ire, more frequent in literary contexts, suggests an intense anger, often with an evident display of feeling.

cheeks flushed with ire

How are the words rage and fury related as synonyms of indignation?

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

shook with rage
could not contain his fury

When is it sensible to use wrath instead of indignation?

While the synonyms wrath and indignation 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 indignation Users expressed their indignation at the boyfriend's actions, recognizing the potential damage to her professional reputation. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024 Thousands have had their homes destroyed by a tsunami-like wave of muck and indignation at mismanagement of the disaster has begun. Joseph Wilson, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2024 When Wiley returns a few minutes later with a tissue, his indignation has come back, too. Rachel Corbett, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2024 On Wednesday night, when news of the pending indictment was reported by the Times, but before details of the charges were publicly known, Adams offered the public the same righteous indignation. Eric Lach, The New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for indignation 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for indignation
Noun
  • At the same time, stay calm and don’t rise to meet their anger with your anger.
    Jenny McCoy, Glamour, 10 Jan. 2025
  • And last year, employee anger over losing their pensions was at the heart of negotiations between Boeing and its machinist workers.
    Dan Doonan, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The outrage over the referee assignment is a continuation of the belief in some circles that NFL game officials help the Chiefs.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 16 Jan. 2025
  • Portugal saw a massive spike in prices and rents in the residential sector, where investors bought and rented out their residential properties; this sparked outrage among the locals and led to massive protests.
    Raheel Sheikh, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • In recent years, officials have endured public fury while dining out in the district.
    Korsha Wilson, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2025
  • And yes, mashing the pedal to the firewall will summon the whole powertrain’s fury in a pinch … but that defeats the purpose of trying to go green.
    Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 16 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Her enigmatic character runs a tight ship, and anyone not towing the line will receive her explosive wrath.
    Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025
  • Moreover, Daniele De Rossi and Ivan Jurić have already felt the wrath of owners The Friedkin Group, with both coaches sacked within two months.
    David Ferrini, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Creamy fizzy drinks have become all the rage in the last several years.
    Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Head coaches with offensive backgrounds are all the rage and Monken has shown an ability to adapt at both the college and NFL levels to the skill set of his quarterback and his personnel.
    Jeff Zrebiec, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Three colorful retail stops — including a retail space, a screening space and a café — visually portrayed the celebratory mood.
    Tianwei Zhang, WWD, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Since then, the success of McKenna’s coaching regime and the mood at Portman Road are encapsulated by the defiant message spelled out in capital letters on the back of Portman Road’s Sir Bobby Robson stand.
    Daniel Taylor, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near indignation

Cite this Entry

“Indignation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indignation. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on indignation

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