EXCRUCIATING Synonyms: 255 Similar and Opposite Words

excruciating 1 of 2

adjective

ik-ˈskrü-shē-ˌā-tiŋ

Definition of excruciating

as in wrenching

intensely or unbearably painful he finally visited the doctor when the pain became too excruciating to ignore

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in searing

difficult to endure the excruciating heat that the settlers faced as they crossed the deserts of the Southwest

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in painful

hard to accept or bear especially emotionally most excruciating of all was the endless wait for news of any survivors of the plane crash

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in intense

extreme in degree, power, or effect the excruciating grief they felt upon the loss of their dear grandfather

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

excruciating

2 of 2

verb

present participle of excruciate

as in plaguing

to cause persistent suffering to she has long been excruciated by an undiagnosed pain in her knee

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 excruciating

Adjective

The threat to major oil companies that employ up to 100,000 workers must have been excruciating until vaccines eventually appeared to stem the tide. — Ian Dexter Palmer, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026 Graphic autopsy photos shown in court Before McDonald brought emotion to the witness stand, the day began with some testimony that appeared excruciating for the Shakur family. — Andy Rose, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026 Also, splitting the bill at the end of the evening is excruciating. — Judith Martin, Mercury News, 12 Aug. 2026 The trip to Mexico was also excruciating as everyone tried to balance parenting with partying. — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 8 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for excruciating

Recent Examples of Synonyms for excruciating

Adjective

Prosecutors plan to seek a two-year extension at an April hearing, and the families of both victims delivered wrenching impact statements in court.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 20 Aug. 2026
Bono penned a wrenching tribute to Hansard on the day of his death.

— Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of wrenching

Adjective

Even with no rate increase, though, Tulsa electric bills would be spiking this year because of searing summer heat, with more than twice the average number of triple-digit days.

— Scott Horsley, NPR, 26 Aug. 2026
Clock hands circle predictably and calendar pages turn on schedule, but internally, within our bodies, minds and hearts, time is a whole different thing — discontinuous, wondrous, searing.

— Leah Ollman, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of searing

Adjective

Utilities have raised rates to pay for wildfire prevention and recovery as climate change has made the blazes more intense and frequent.

— Sophie Austin, Fortune, 25 Aug. 2026
Electrolyte beverages can help replenish hydration after an intense workout or stomach bug.

— Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of intense

Verb

And in contrast to most brands, Essence Cosmetics and Catrice revealed at the beginning of this year that despite the tariffs plaguing all industries, the company would not be raising prices.

— Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026
This is a snapshot of the current WNBA experience—unprecedented growth and great basketball at risk of being swallowed up by the same culture wars plaguing the broader political landscape.

— Jemele Hill, The Atlantic, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of plaguing

Adjective

The war, and in particular Iran’s direct targeting of the Gulf, makes this approach a tough pill to swallow.

— Dina Esfandiary, Foreign Affairs, 27 Aug. 2026
The conversation shifted from tougher ordinances toward resource allocation and investing in third spaces, which are places outside of work, school or home.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of tough

Adjective

Scott London Every year, Black Rock City appears on a dry lakebed in one of Nevada’s harshest areas, then disappears just as fast.

— Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Hig has bunkered down with a grouchy companion, Bangley (Josh Brolin), who thrives in this harsh world.

— Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of harsh

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“Excruciating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/excruciating. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of excruciating

adjective

verb

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