torturous

adjective

ˈtȯrch-rəs How to pronounce torturous (audio)
Definition of torturousnext
1
as in painful
hard to accept or bear especially emotionally relatives had to make the torturous decision to disconnect the patient's life-support system

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in wrenching
intensely or unbearably painful the post-infection treatment for rabies was as notoriously torturous as the disease itself

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 torturous For Tehran, an end to Israeli attacks on its most significant ally in the region has always been a central demand amid the torturous negotiations to end the three-month old conflict. — Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 20 June 2026 This Stanley Cup final is twisty, torturous and absolutely exhilarating. — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 10 June 2026 In theaters July 17, The Odyssey tells the story of Greek hero Odysseus’ long, torturous and fantastical trip home from the Trojan War, back to the Kingdom of Ithaca to save his wife and son. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 6 July 2026 International human rights leaders have condemned nitrogen hypoxia as experimental, violent and potentially torturous. — Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for torturous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for torturous
  1. painful
  2. wrenching
  3. harsh
  4. agonizing
  5. cruel
  6. excruciating
  7. intense
Adjective
  • And that says something painful about what my country has become, and my place in it.
    — Dawn M. Turner, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • For thousands of Venezuelans, however, the absence of definitive answers has become one of the tragedy’s most painful consequences.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 4 July 2026
Definition of painful
Adjective
  • His most wrenching scene, when Stagg receives a devastating personal call but cannot react amid the intense geopolitical stakes, captured this tension.
    — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 26 May 2026
  • Another wrenching question, of course, is whether at least the younger Perez siblings would want or need to go with Olga to Guatemala if she were deported.
    — Tim Padgett, Sun Sentinel, 27 Mar. 2026
Definition of wrenching
Adjective
  • White settlers and frontier pioneers built vast, fenceless cattle stations, battling harsh environments and disease, embracing a hard-living culture that exists to this day.
    — Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
  • Dish Soap Using harsh chemicals on the outside of your toilet bowl and fixtures is not recommended, according to Meagher.
    — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 4 July 2026
Definition of harsh
Adjective
  • Claus trudged to the monitor, watched the foul on an agonizing loop and promptly handed Balogun a red card.
    — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 2 July 2026
  • In the final minute of stoppage time Cape Verde missed an agonizing last second shot but still claimed a point!
    — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 27 June 2026
Definition of agonizing
Adjective
  • The heat has become so unbearable in Japan that weather officials in April announced a new term for days when maximum temperatures exceed 104 degrees — kokushobi, meaning harsh or cruel heat, according to the Japan Times.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • For thousands of Venezuelans, however, the lack of definitive answers has become one of the tragedy’s cruelest consequences.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
Definition of cruel
Adjective
  • LeeAnne Loney was facing an excruciating decision in the summer of 2024.
    — Gretchen Morgenson, NBC news, 4 July 2026
  • María Paz Campos, a veteran firefighter from Chile, talked him through the entire operation and kept him calm during the final excruciating hours Thursday.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 July 2026
Definition of excruciating
Adjective
  • Indie Shakes managing director David Melville distills his production around scenes of intense conflict.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • As the planet warms, extreme heat events are becoming more common, intense and long-lasting.
    — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 1 July 2026
Definition of intense

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torturing
torturous
Tory
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Cite this Entry

“Torturous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/torturous. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on torturous

Nglish: Translation of torturous for Spanish Speakers

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