Definitions

excruciating

[ik-skroo-shee-ey-ting] / ɪkˈskru ʃiˌeɪ tɪŋ /

ADJECTIVE

torturous, painful

Synonyms

STRONGEST

acute agonizing exquisite grueling harrowing intense searing severe unbearable

STRONG

burning chastening consuming piercing punishing racking rending shooting stabbing tearing tormenting torturing

WEAK

extreme insufferable sharp torturesome unendurable violent

Antonyms

STRONGEST

calm dull easy facile mild

WEAK

bearable endurable helpful pleasant pleasing soothing

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Soraida's 44-year-old sister, Rosanna Luna, says not knowing what happened her sister is excruciating.

From Barron's • Jun. 30, 2026

While partying with the French isn’t the same as surviving the winter at Valley Forge, it did take a toll on Franklin, who suffered excruciating pain from gout.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 28, 2026

Watching that Rosetta Stone-cold stupid footage here, you’re struck not only by his audacity, but by the scene’s excruciating comic pacing.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 26, 2026

The 90-minute cut—or 78 minutes not counting commercials—reduced the excruciating War in the Pacific to rapid moments of triumph.

From Slate • Jun. 11, 2026

Sitting next to him all through class had been profound and excruciating.

From "A Very Large Expanse of Sea" by Tahereh Mafi

Vocabulary lists containing excruciating

Their Eyes Were Watching God

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I Am Malala

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Brave New World

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