Synonyms for

Distress

Verb / dɪˈstres / Another word for distress — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Great pain, anxiety, or sorrow; acute physical or mental suffering.

Synonyms & similar words

suffering distraint hurt straiten anguish suffering pain torment misery woe grief heartache trauma upset anxiety trouble problems hardship affliction tribulation burden oppression pressure discomfort

Synonyms by register

Formal

suffering anguish affliction tribulation

Informal

trouble worry pain grief

Literary

woe sorrow lament

Antonyms

joy comfort ease relief happiness calm contentment

Common collocations

  • severe distress
  • emotional distress
  • mental distress
  • financial distress
  • cause distress
  • suffer distress
  • alleviate distress

Word family

noun distress
verb distress
adjective distressed

Usage note

Distress often implies a state of suffering or anxiety caused by a specific problem or situation. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but the intensity of the word suggests a significant level of negative emotion.

Example sentences

  1. She was in distress when she lost her wallet.
  2. The distress on his face was obvious.
  3. The loud music caused distress to the neighbors.
  4. The distress of the hurricane caused widespread damage.
  5. She could not hide her distress after receiving bad news.

Quotes

  • The greater the difficulty, the greater the glory in surmounting it. Skillful pilots gain their reputation from storms and tempests.
  • The world breaks everyone, and afterward, some are strong at the broken places.
  • When you encounter difficulties and contradictions, do not try to break them, but bend them with gentleness and time.

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