AGGRAVATING Synonyms: 157 Similar and Opposite Words

aggravating 1 of 2

adjective

ˈa-grə-ˌvā-tiŋ

Definition of aggravating

as in annoying

causing annoyance there's nothing so aggravating as a blaring car alarm that no one is paying any attention to

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

aggravating

2 of 2

verb

present participle of aggravate

as in irritating

to disturb the peace of mind of (someone) especially by repeated disagreeable acts it really aggravates me when I arrive 10 minutes before the stated closing time, and the store's closed already

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in worsening

to make more severe overheated rhetoric that only aggravated an already tense situation

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of aggravating

Adjective

This is not just aggravating but a safety issue as well since some drivers are slowing down and others are not. — Ticked Off, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2026 The El Dorado County District Attorney said that Varoff entered a guilty plea to six felony counts and admitted to all aggravating factors. — Brandon Downs, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026

Verb

Such filings typically chronicle the impact of a defendant's crimes, as well as his history, upbringing and other aggravating or mitigating factors. — ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026 New details have emerged about San Francisco Giants outfielder Harrison Bader oddly aggravating his foot injury in a scooter accident over the past weekend. — NBC news, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for aggravating

Recent Examples of Synonyms for aggravating

Adjective

Adults’s Gen-Z characters tend to see their comforts as transient, their identities as mutable, and seriousness as an annoying obligation, all of which the second season pokes at a bit.

— Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2026
Fluctuating estrogen levels can disrupt the nerves responsible for your sense of scent, leading to this symptom that’s equally bizarre and annoying.

— Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of annoying

Adjective

At this point in the draft, every RB has questions, but volume remains king, and Harvey could be in a frustrating battle for touches all season.

— Jonathan Rubin, Charlotte Observer, 26 Aug. 2026
Bohm’s Phillies career has been sometimes frustrating, sometimes exciting, sometimes perplexing.

— Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of frustrating

Verb

Apart from deepening its presence in existing markets, IHH is also considering expanding into adjacent countries, though Prem admits that no concrete plans have yet been made.

— Angelica Ang, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026
Beyond brands and filmmakers, InnoAsia is deepening ties with technology firms and international markets.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of deepening

Adjective

Last awards season, the gossip around town, salacious and disturbing in equal measure, was that hotel suites all over Hollywood were populated by tailors taking in gowns coming straight off the runway.

— Marti Noxon, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026
The disturbing situation came to light after a tree fell on the home during a storm.

— Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of disturbing

Browse Nearby Words

aggravates

aggravating

aggravation

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Style

“Aggravating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aggravating. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of aggravating

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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