What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
agony
Example
The athlete was in agony after injuring his ankle. [agony: noun]
Example
She watched in agony as her house burned down. [agony: noun]
anguish
Example
He felt anguish over the loss of his best friend. [anguish: noun]
Example
The mother's anguish was palpable as she searched for her missing child. [anguish: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Agony and anguish are both less common words in everyday language and are typically used in more formal or literary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between agony and anguish?
Both agony and anguish are formal words that are not commonly used in everyday conversation. However, anguish may have a more dramatic or negative connotation, making it slightly more formal than agony.
