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.

A tube containing the IUD is then passed through the tiny cervical opening into the uterus, a process that is excruciating for many patients.

From Slate • Jun. 7, 2026

“It’s been an excruciating 23 hours without being on TV,” Colbert said on Friday.

From Salon • May 27, 2026

Nicolas Winding Refn’s “Her Private Hell” is longer than that and the inertia is excruciating.

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026

It was the start of an excruciating search for Sediq's brother, 35-year-old Mohammad Anwar Walizada, who had been admitted to Omid just four days before the attack.

From BBC • May 12, 2026

Franny was now sitting with the flat of her free hand pressed against the side of her face, like someone with an excruciating toothache.

From "Franny and Zooey" by J. D. Salinger

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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