wrath
7 synonyms and 3 antonyms for wrath, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Intense anger, often with a desire for revenge.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use wrath
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
incur someone's wrath
the wrath of God
unleash wrath
A fairly literary or dramatic word — used far more often in writing than in casual speech, where "anger" or "fury" is more natural.
Etymology
From Old English wrǣþþu, built on the adjective "wroth" ("angry") plus a suffix forming abstract nouns — much like "warmth" from "warm."
Full origin of wrath →Frequently asked questions
What does “wrath” mean?
The word “wrath” means intense anger, often with a desire for revenge. In plain terms, extreme anger, often implying punishment will follow.
How do you pronounce “wrath”?
“Wrath” is pronounced roth (/ɹæθ/ in IPA).
How do you use “wrath” in a sentence?
Here is “wrath” used in a sentence: “The villagers feared the king's wrath.”
What part of speech is “wrath”?
“Wrath” is a noun.
Where does the word “wrath” come from?
The word “wrath” comes from Old English. From Old English wrǣþþu, built on the adjective "wroth" ("angry") plus a suffix forming abstract nouns — much like "warmth" from "warm.".
Is “wrath” a common word?
“Wrath” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between wrath and anger?
Anger is a general term for feeling upset or annoyed, while wrath specifically describes intense anger, often paired with a desire for revenge or punishment. Wrath carries a more forceful, literary, or biblical tone than everyday anger.
Is wrath a formal or literary word?
Yes, wrath is typically used in formal, literary, or dramatic contexts rather than casual conversation. It appears frequently in religious texts, poetry, and classic literature to describe powerful, often righteous anger.
What is the difference between wrath and rage?
Rage often describes a sudden, uncontrolled outburst of anger, while wrath suggests a more sustained, intense anger that may include a desire for retribution. Wrath is also somewhat more formal and old-fashioned in tone than rage.
