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

Before he passed sentence, the judge said it was obvious how "excruciating" it must have been for the victim to come back to court for a second time.

From BBC • Jun. 5, 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

Having just passed the first anniversary of one of my life’s most excruciating moments, I’ve been feeling the impossibility in that balancing act myself lately.

From Salon • May 25, 2026

Church was particularly excruciating when Dad came along.

From "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls

Vocabulary lists containing excruciating

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