suffering 1 of 3

suffering

2 of 3

noun

suffering

3 of 3

verb

present participle of suffer
1
as in experiencing
to come to a knowledge of (something) by living through it willingly suffered hardships so that their children would have a better life

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun suffering differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of suffering are agony, distress, and misery. While all these words mean "the state of being in great trouble," suffering implies conscious endurance of pain or distress.

the suffering of famine victims

When can agony be used instead of suffering?

While in some cases nearly identical to suffering, agony suggests pain too intense to be borne.

in agony over the death of their child

When might distress be a better fit than suffering?

While the synonyms distress and suffering are close in meaning, distress implies an external and usually temporary cause of great physical or mental strain and stress.

the hurricane put everyone in great distress

When could misery be used to replace suffering?

The synonyms misery and suffering are sometimes interchangeable, but misery stresses the unhappiness attending especially sickness, poverty, or loss.

the homeless live with misery every day

Example 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 suffering
Noun
According to the lawsuit, the city of Palm Bay, its police department and the officer are responsible for pain, suffering, emotional distress, anxiety, humiliation, outrage and loss of reputation experienced by Maloof. Julia Marnin, Miami Herald, 12 Feb. 2025 When political leaders turn away from the suffering, the Church must not only fill the gap but also challenge the retreat. Eric Ha, TIME, 12 Feb. 2025
Verb
Under the hood, your body is often suffering from dehydration and inflammation. Lance Eliot, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024 Anyway, Asma is now suffering terribly, according to reports. Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 31 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for suffering
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suffering
Noun
  • Yarden appeared to be in extreme distress in the video and was very likely speaking under duress.
    Mick Krever, CNN, 20 Feb. 2025
  • While the civil lawsuit filed by Petito's parents accused them of withholding information and causing emotional distress, no criminal charges were brought against them.
    Matt Robison, Newsweek, 18 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The Christmas Eve shooting also devastated the still-grieving Oxford community, where a teenage gunman went on a rampage at Oxford High School in November 2021, killing four classmates and seven others, including a teacher.
    Tresa Baldas, Detroit Free Press, 29 Dec. 2024
  • Ward, 28, missed four games while grieving her death.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 29 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • But the Pole tightened when on the front foot in two baseline exchanges, moving forward at the wrong time and letting Fritz move out in front.
    James Hansen, The Athletic, 5 Jan. 2025
  • The Wolves did not score for the first 4 minutes, 32 seconds of the quarter, letting a five-point deficit swell to 18 points.
    Jon Krawczynski, The Athletic, 5 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • That’s not a 50-50 ball; that’s a 33.3-66.6 ball, and Xavier Worthy pulled the upset.
    Steven Louis Goldstein, The Athletic, 13 Feb. 2025
  • Barring an upset by a very capable Fremont-Oakland team, the two juggernauts from Alameda County’s biggest city should once again duke it out in the postseason.
    Joseph Dycus, The Mercury News, 13 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Residents gathered in Hostages Square, outside Israel's defense headquarters, as sorrow set in across the country.
    Chris Kenning, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2025
  • The sorrows of the women are also narrativized with poignancy and emotionality.
    Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 17 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The incident lopped off a 150-foot section at the end of the pier, which was undergoing a $4 million restoration.
    Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 24 Dec. 2024
  • Bill Clinton is undergoing testing at Georgetown University Hospital where he was hospitalized Monday for a fever, according to the 42nd president’s deputy chief of staff.
    Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 24 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The imagery of The Pink Opaque’s Midnight Realm is frightening, but the potent themes and aching nostalgia are what will keep you up at night.
    Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2024
  • Risotto, in other words, is governed by a set of laws that are rooted in tradition, rich in common sense, and aching to be broken or bent.
    Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 16 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Purdy’s story is a reminder that having – or paying – a curious technology person can pay off in a number of ways for your company.
    Gene Marks, Forbes, 5 Jan. 2025
  • And that's the unique aspect of having unified control of the government.
    CBS News, CBS News, 5 Jan. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Suffering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suffering. Accessed 28 Feb. 2025.

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