1
as in to annoy
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
Relevance
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 aggravate
Wasps will become aggravated if their nest is disturbed, so it's not recommended to knock down the nest.
—
Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 13 Oct. 2025
Simplified Finding skin care that soothes redness, instead of aggravating it, can feel like a hunt.
—Christian Orozco, NBC news, 10 Oct. 2025
France is struggling with mounting economic challenges and ballooning debt, and the political crisis is aggravating its troubles and raising alarm across the European Union.
—NPR, 10 Oct. 2025
That man, Jermain Hall, has since been charged with unlawful use of a weapon, armed criminal action and aggravated fleeing a stop or detention.
—Kansas City Star, 7 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for aggravate
Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 13 Oct. 2025
Simplified Finding skin care that soothes redness, instead of aggravating it, can feel like a hunt.
—Christian Orozco, NBC news, 10 Oct. 2025
France is struggling with mounting economic challenges and ballooning debt, and the political crisis is aggravating its troubles and raising alarm across the European Union.
—NPR, 10 Oct. 2025
That man, Jermain Hall, has since been charged with unlawful use of a weapon, armed criminal action and aggravated fleeing a stop or detention.
—Kansas City Star, 7 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for aggravate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aggravate
Verb
-
Ball doesn’t seem annoyed by the memes yet, but the NBA season hasn’t officially started, so there’s still time.—
Scottie Andrew,
CNN Money,
18 Oct. 2025
-
He was annoyed when people advocated that.—
Marni Rose McFall,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The Indiana Daily Student has over $400,000 to spend, but the former adviser of the paper said administrators hamstrung his ability to use those funds, worsening the newspaper's deficit spending.—
Cate Charron,
IndyStar,
17 Oct. 2025
-
Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease causing pain, swelling and stiffness in the knees that worsens over time.—
Angelica Stabile,
FOXNews.com,
17 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Combining three different actives (AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs) in one product without totally irritating the skin seems like an impossible task, yet Some by Mi has accomplished it with this ease.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
8 Oct. 2025
-
Always dilute apple cider vinegar with water and drink through a straw to avoid damaging tooth enamel and irritating the esophagus.—
Maggie O'Neill,
Verywell Health,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
For some, Munir’s prominent role in deepening ties with the US have resurfaced fears about the military’s influence on Pakistan’s political landscape.—
Sophia Saifi,
CNN Money,
18 Oct. 2025
-
Meanwhile, Bulgari deepened its cultural engagement with India by bringing the Serpenti Infinito Exhibition to the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) in Mumbai — its third global stop.—
Mayu Saini,
Footwear News,
18 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Such hard coaching would bother some players.—
Jay King,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
-
Continue reading … HIT THE ROAD – Duffy responds to trucker who 'couldn't be bothered' to learn English in America.—
,
FOXNews.com,
15 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Federal cases can take years to resolve, but an extended shutdown could exacerbate delays, leaving key public health matters in limbo.—
Barnini Chakraborty,
The Washington Examiner,
16 Oct. 2025
-
The organization said a lack of movement by animal control exacerbated the problem.—
Devan Patel,
Mercury News,
16 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Chinch bugs overwinter in moist, deep thatch.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
17 Oct. 2025
-
Co-worker bugging you during heads down time?—
Sam Woodward,
USA Today,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The dispute underscores an intensifying divide within the Democratic Party between establishment forces aligned with major donors and progressives who say those same networks are shutting out grassroots women candidates.—
Samantha-Jo Roth,
The Washington Examiner,
16 Oct. 2025
-
The tech titan has intensified its efforts to bolster affordable housing in recent years.—
George Avalos,
Mercury News,
16 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Aggravate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aggravate. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share