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.

But holding on can be excruciating when everyone else is abandoning ship.

From The Wall Street Journal

An exciting yet excruciating playoff loss to the Seahawks doesn’t diminish the Rams’ accomplishments this season.

From Los Angeles Times

Even more excruciating to the Jets is that the Pats were never supposed to be this good right now.

From The Wall Street Journal

In intensive care, the pain was "excruciating", and although he knew he was "totally blind" he tried not to "dwell on it".

From BBC

The excruciating delay did not help her nerves, she said.

From Barron's