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
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Recent Examples of aggravate
There might be more than one bench spot to be won on the opening-day roster, as infielder Sung-Mun Song has not swung a bat since aggravating a right oblique strain on Sunday.
—
Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026
Jeff Rosen, Santa Clara County district attorney, said at a news conference Wednesday afternoon that O’Connor would face at least 30 years in prison pending aggravating factors still to be considered by a judge on March 11.
—Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026
Smoke from wildfires penetrates deep into the lungs and aggravates respiratory disease more than any other type of pollution.
—Becky Upham, EverydayHealth.com, 4 Mar. 2026
Another said the product is effective at smoothing lines without aggravating sensitive skin.
—Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for aggravate
Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026
Jeff Rosen, Santa Clara County district attorney, said at a news conference Wednesday afternoon that O’Connor would face at least 30 years in prison pending aggravating factors still to be considered by a judge on March 11.
—Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026
Smoke from wildfires penetrates deep into the lungs and aggravates respiratory disease more than any other type of pollution.
—Becky Upham, EverydayHealth.com, 4 Mar. 2026
Another said the product is effective at smoothing lines without aggravating sensitive skin.
—Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for aggravate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aggravate
Verb
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More traditional Bachelor Nation fans annoyed by the influencer-ification of reality TV already considered Paul the death knell for the franchise even before the recent scandal.—
Rebecca Jennings,
Vulture,
20 Mar. 2026
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While nobody at Netflix has suggested that the Sussexes violated any of the terms of their agreement, which allows the couple to engage in projects in other arenas and participate in interviews for other distribution outlets, many at the streamer were annoyed by the lack of communication.—
Matt Donnelly,
Variety,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
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If conditions worsen, the state will move into phase three.—
Christa Swanson,
CBS News,
18 Mar. 2026
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Carolina Rodriguez, director of the Education Debt Consumer Assistance Program in New York, said the backlog for relief programs could worsen as borrowers in the now-defunct Saving on a Valuable Education, or SAVE, plan submit applications to access a new repayment plan.—
Annie Nova,
CNBC,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
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While it’s powered by retinol, an ingredient known to be irritating, this treats my under-eye with care.—
Jenny Berg,
Vogue,
19 Mar. 2026
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All these questions started to irritate him.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
19 Mar. 2026
Verb
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During the next two years, Pahlavi expanded his operation and deepened his ties with Israel.—
Azadeh Moaveni,
New Yorker,
22 Mar. 2026
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The market's losses deepened after oil prices erased an early dip and accelerated in the afternoon.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
21 Mar. 2026
Verb
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But a few days before Sonya disappeared, something was bothering her, her mother said.—
Claire Osborn,
Austin American Statesman,
21 Mar. 2026
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The sidewalk was bustling, but no one even bothered to rubberneck.—
Amanda Peet,
New Yorker,
21 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The board also voted to install Matt Floca as CEO and executive director, replacing Trump ally Richard Grenell, who oversaw far-reaching changes at the venue that prompted an outcry from many artists and exacerbated the operation's financial challenges.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
18 Mar. 2026
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Some creators and observers say the disproportionate influence of voices outside of Iran has exacerbated deep rifts in the diaspora, which includes about 750,000 people in the United States, according to the Pew Research Center.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
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And also, Bill has to be home and also not bugging me.—
Joey Nolfi,
Entertainment Weekly,
3 Mar. 2026
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Clara could hear Dune’s sister, Fern, in the background bugging Dune to resume their chess game.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
2 Mar. 2026
Verb
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If so, that would intensify the competition between him and last year's portal addition Jordan Shaw, as the duo aims to replace Tyreek Chappell after his eligibility expires.—
Tony Catalina,
Austin American Statesman,
17 Mar. 2026
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The sun, wind, noise, boat vibration and motion can intensify the effects of alcohol and drugs which can quickly impair coordination, judgment and reaction time.—
Stephen Underwood,
Hartford Courant,
17 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Aggravate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aggravate. Accessed 24 Mar. 2026.
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