seething with anger

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seething with anger" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are trying to describe someone in a state of intense anger, such as: "She was seething with anger after learning her boss had lied to her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

They really must have been seething with anger.

The Economist

You could just see him seething with anger.

The New York Times

In the cases I study, you sometimes have someone who is seething with anger.

The New York Times

There are people seething with anger, unapologetic for something they consider a harmless joke.

The New York Times

In the men's ward here, four young men lay wounded in one room, seething with anger.

The New York Times

It is a region seething with anger toward the United States.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Green said she seethed with anger at the indignity of it all.

The Guardian

The early pages seethe with anger - against her adoptive parents, against her lawyer and against herself.

The Guardian - Books

And as a rising young Republican, he seethed with anger at the scorn of the liberal establishment.

The New Yorker

Millions of ordinary Russians seethed with anger because for months nobody had paid them their wages and pensions.

The Economist

But these days, they say, just stepping onto their deck in North Hills makes them seethe with anger.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure the subject's actions or expressions subtly reflect their internal turmoil. This adds depth and believability to the description.

Common error

Avoid using "seething with anger" to describe a direct, overt action. "Seething" implies a contained, simmering rage, not an outward display of anger. For outward displays use: shouting in anger.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seething with anger" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes the state of being intensely angry, often in a suppressed or concealed manner, as shown in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seething with anger" effectively communicates a state of intense, often suppressed, anger. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, this phrase vividly portrays an internal emotional state, suggesting a build-up of anger that may soon erupt. When using "seething with anger", remember that it implies more than just anger; it suggests a simmering, contained rage. Alternatives like "filled with rage" or "livid with wrath" can offer similar but slightly different nuances depending on the specific context. Avoid using it to describe outward expressions of anger but focus on the inward experience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

filled with rage

Focuses on the overwhelming feeling of rage.

consumed by fury

Emphasizes that fury is taking over someone's mind/body.

incensed

A more formal, single-word synonym expressing extreme anger.

fuming with indignation

Highlights a sense of righteous anger and injustice.

livid with wrath

Implies visible signs of extreme anger, like flushed skin.

bitterly resentful

Conveys anger mixed with long-lasting animosity.

extremely irate

A more formal and slightly less intense way of expressing anger.

enraged

Single-word synonym indicating a high level of anger.

brimming with animosity

Indicates a suppressed anger ready to be released.

burning with resentment

Suggests a simmering, long-held feeling of anger.

FAQs

How can I use "seething with anger" in a sentence?

You can use "seething with anger" to describe someone who is internally very angry but not necessarily showing it outwardly. For example: "He was "seething with anger" after the unfair decision, but he remained silent."

What's a similar phrase to "seething with anger"?

Alternatives to "seething with anger" include "filled with rage", "consumed by fury", or "livid with wrath". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever appropriate to use "seething with anger" in formal writing?

Yes, "seething with anger" can be used in formal writing, especially when aiming to vividly describe a character's internal state or the atmosphere of a situation. However, ensure it aligns with the overall tone and register of the piece.

What's the difference between "angry" and "seething with anger"?

"Angry" is a general term for feeling displeasure or antagonism. "Seething with anger" implies a more intense, suppressed, and potentially explosive state of anger. It suggests the anger is building up internally.