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

Either Shorty has the most screen time or he’s just so excruciating that it feels like it.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026

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

From Salon • May 27, 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

He grimaced as if in excruciating pain, sucked in air through his teeth, rubbed the elbow, and claimed he couldn’t use his arm for the remainder of the meal.

From "Cheaper by the Dozen" by Frank B. Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey

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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