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 of indignation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web However, in the process of trying to get his client out of jail from her 18-month involuntary manslaughter guilty verdict, Gutierrez-Reed’s lawyer Jason Bowles was quick to dismiss Morrissey’s latest indignation today. Dominic Patten, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2024 By 1936, the indignation had subsided, and coverage of the movement declined with it. Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Aug. 2024 The explosive revelations sparked indignation and catalyzed the legislative push on Capitol Hill, where lawmakers have little to show for years of pledges to rein in the tech giants amid a litany of grievances. Cristiano Lima-Strong, Washington Post, 30 July 2024 Today there are many metaphoric potholes causing public frustration and indignation. Andrew Cuomo, New York Daily News, 1 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for indignation 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'indignation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near indignation

Cite this Entry

“Indignation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indignation. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on indignation

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