agonizing

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.

For weeks after getting her phone, Elsie would call friends only to sit in agonizing silence, not knowing what to say.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

Wood had been agonizing over what to say to convince the board to spare his life.

From Slate • Mar. 6, 2026

CNN chief media analyst Brian Stelter recently reminded his newsletter’s readers that NBC used to promote “Today” as “America’s first family,” pointing out that “this agonizing week has shown why.”

From Salon • Feb. 13, 2026

“The victim’s family has waited for an agonizing 30 years to get that call to let them know their loved one’s killer had been found and charged,” said Los Angeles County Dist.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 10, 2026

It took Nin a few agonizing seconds to look up, but when she did, her muddy eyes couldn’t seem to focus.

From "The Reader" by Traci Chee