wrathful

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/ˈræθfəl/
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A formal adjective for intense anger, fury, or a severe punishing mood.
Practice using wrathful in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • The king grew wrathful when he heard the betrayal.
  • The sermon used wrathful imagery to describe divine anger.
  • The poem describes a wrathful god.
  • The myth tells of a wrathful spirit guarding the mountain.
  • She gave him a wrathful look.

Similar words

vengeful
irate
punishing
furious
avenging
indignant
enraged
stern
retributive
incensed

Meanings

Full of intense anger

adjective
literary
formal
Full of strong anger, rage, or indignation.

Examples

  • His wrathful voice filled the hall.
  • She gave him a wrathful look.
  • The king grew wrathful when he heard the betrayal.
  • A wrathful crowd gathered outside the palace.
  • The letter was calm at first, then suddenly wrathful.

Similar words

angry
furious
enraged
irate
incensed
indignant
vengeful

Punishing or divinely angry

adjective
literary
formal
Describing a deity, force, judgment, or image as showing anger, punishment, or severe retribution.

Examples

  • The poem describes a wrathful god.
  • The prophet warned of wrathful judgment.
  • In the painting, the saint faces a wrathful sky.
  • The myth tells of a wrathful spirit guarding the mountain.
  • The sermon used wrathful imagery to describe divine anger.

Similar words

vengeful
punishing
avenging
stern
judgmental
furious
retributive

Etymology

From wrath, an old English word for intense anger or rage, plus -ful, meaning full of.

FAQ

What does wrathful mean?

It means full of intense anger, rage, or fury.

Is wrathful formal?

Yes. It sounds formal, literary, dramatic, or religious.

How is wrathful different from angry?

Wrathful is stronger and more solemn than ordinary angry.

What is the noun related to wrathful?

The noun is wrath, meaning intense anger or rage.

Can wrathful describe a god?

Yes. It often appears in religious or mythic contexts for divine anger or punishment.

What is an antonym for wrathful?

Antonyms include calm, peaceful, forgiving, merciful, and gentle.

How do you use wrathful in a sentence?

For example: His wrathful voice filled the hall.

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