throe

noun

ˈthrō How to pronounce throe (audio)
Synonyms of throenext
1
: pang, spasm
death throes
throes of childbirth
2
throes plural : a hard or painful struggle
… the throes of revolutionary social change …—M. D. Geismar

Synonyms of throe

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Examples of throe in a Sentence

collapsed in the throes of agony that third-world country is caught up in the throes of a democratic revolution
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Announced just last week, fans are already in throes of excitement, with scores of late-night launch events lined up internationally. — Kyle MacNeill, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026 In 2021, for example, the broader index posted an earnings growth rate of more than 90% — but that was when the market was coming out of the throes of the Covid pandemic. — Sarah Min, CNBC, 5 Aug. 2026 The boy was burly and had a remarkable strength and energy that stayed throughout his life, only faltering in the very last throes of death. — Literary Hub, 20 July 2026 Rowdy children represent yet another challenge for restaurants like his that have struggled through the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic and, more recently, skyrocketing prices for beef, cooking oil and other goods, Xue said. — Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for throe

Word History

Etymology

Middle English thrawe, throwe, from Old English thrawu, thrēa threat, pang; akin to Old High German drawa threat

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of throe was in the 13th century

Rhymes for throe

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Browse Nearby Words

throbless
throe
thromb-
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Cite this Entry

“Throe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/throe. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

throe

noun
ˈthrō How to pronounce throe (audio)
1
: pang
death throes
throes of childbirth
2
plural : a hard or painful struggle
a state in the throes of revolution

Medical Definition

throe

noun
ˈthrō How to pronounce throe (audio)
: pang, spasm
—usually used in plural
death throes
throes of childbirth
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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