FRUSTRATION Synonyms: 129 Similar and Opposite Words

frustration

noun

(ˌ)frə-ˈstrā-shən

Definition of frustration

as in headache

something that is a source of irritation bad spelling is a constant frustration to language-arts teachers

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in disappointment

the emotion felt when one's expectations are not met the kids couldn't hide their frustration when they couldn't get the electronic toy to work

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in exasperation

the feeling of impatience or anger caused by another's repeated disagreeable acts the professor's frustration with students who refused to consult the syllabus

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 frustration Pabst has publicly addressed the theft through social media, expressing frustration while urging the person responsible to return the vehicle and its cargo. — ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026 Some levity might help ease the consistent frustration of not knowing who’s who. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 28 Aug. 2026 While there is plenty of frustration about prices, there are also voters willing to make adjustments without blaming Republicans. — Mike Catalini, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026 Jim Wunderman, head of public affairs for California Forever, echoed Newsom’s frustrations. — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for frustration

Recent Examples of Synonyms for frustration

Noun

Tibbetts says the fires have already created plenty of logistics headaches.

— Anya Kamenetz, Curbed, 28 Aug. 2026
Caused by parasites spread via Anopheles mosquitoes, malaria can cause symptoms including nausea, headache and intense waves of fever and chills.

— CBS News, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of headache

Noun

At the same time, the Panthers saw very little impact from their pass rush — a disappointment considering the beleaguered state of Houston’s offensive line — and Stroud didn’t struggle to find short completions.

— Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 26 Aug. 2026
In the comments, fans congratulated Aly on her Broadway debut while others shared their disappointment over not being able to see the duo live.

— Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of disappointment

Noun

Dorgu ran into players, and Fernandes, throwing his arms around in exasperation at Tielemans’ failure to control the ball, looked a picture of frustration.

— Stuart James, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Vain to the point of exasperation, computer genius and hacker Roddy did not have to make an error to be thrown out of MI5 headquarters.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of exasperation

Noun

But administrative burdens are a technology of annoyance, degradation, discrimination, and needless extraction.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026
That information sticks together, and companies use it to build a profile of you for marketing, selling, and general annoyance.

— K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of annoyance

Noun

In an appearance on Semafor’s Mixed Signals in the wake of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s win, Piker expressed dismay at being invoked in intra-Democratic debates.

— Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 27 Aug. 2026
Over the last six years, the pair have made a series of explosive allegations about what life was like inside the monarchy, much to the dismay of many members of the British royal family.

— Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of dismay

Noun

Another steered people to collagen creams for lifting, which included products for calming irritation and a cream formulated for reducing redness.

— Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Hyaluronic acid can help combat potential irritation and dryness caused by retinol.

— Ellie Davis, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of irritation

Noun

Earlier in August, A New Mexico judge ordered Meta to contribute $567 million to an abatement fund as part of a public nuisance case centering on child-safety allegations.

— Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026
In March, a New Mexico jury and judge fined Meta over $900 million after the state’s attorney general argued that its platforms created a public nuisance.

— Steve Kopack, NBC news, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of nuisance

Noun

For young people just entering the workforce, high-unemployment coupled with the high cost of living added to their dissatisfaction.

— Tania Azhang, Sacbee.com, 25 Aug. 2026
As popular dissatisfaction with the country’s traditional politicians and political parties grew, many Bolivians began looking to leaders who had emerged from the social movements themselves.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of dissatisfaction

Browse Nearby Words

frustrating

frustration

frustrations

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Style

“Frustration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frustration. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of frustration

noun

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