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.

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

Both men continued to show anxiety in a final set which veered between entertaining and excruciating to watch.

From BBC • Jun. 7, 2026

Having just passed the first anniversary of one of my life’s most excruciating moments, I’ve been feeling the impossibility in that balancing act myself lately.

From Salon • May 25, 2026

But over two excruciating days this week, journal entries from OpenAI’s president and co-founder were entered as exhibits in the trial captivating Silicon Valley.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 9, 2026

But the squandered time was even more excruciating to bear than the cold.

From "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer

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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