1
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
2
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
3
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
The number of controllers calling in sick has increased during the shutdown both because of their frustration with the situation and because controllers need the time off to work second jobs instead of continuing to work six days a week like many of them routinely do.
—
Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 28 Oct. 2025
This can include calming ourselves down before a meeting, reframing a negative thought, or expressing frustration constructively with a loved one.
—Marc Brackett, Time, 28 Oct. 2025
Tice called Sly to vent his frustration.
—Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 28 Oct. 2025
How to figure out why little ones bite There’s a whole universe of possible reasons for biting beyond feeling frustration or anger, which is what many parents assume is the root cause, Shrier said.
—Beki San Martin, Freep.com, 28 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for frustration
Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 28 Oct. 2025
This can include calming ourselves down before a meeting, reframing a negative thought, or expressing frustration constructively with a loved one.
—Marc Brackett, Time, 28 Oct. 2025
Tice called Sly to vent his frustration.
—Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 28 Oct. 2025
How to figure out why little ones bite There’s a whole universe of possible reasons for biting beyond feeling frustration or anger, which is what many parents assume is the root cause, Shrier said.
—Beki San Martin, Freep.com, 28 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for frustration
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frustration
Noun
-
Among the opponents are some residents of Alton Road, who say that gating off North Bay Road would worsen the city’s already substantial traffic problems and create headaches for people trying to access their homes.—
Aaron Leibowitz,
Miami Herald,
29 Oct. 2025
-
Utilities were stuck with the headache and expense of storing waste themselves, so in 2014, a judge forbade the federal government from continuing to collect the NWF fees.—
Teri Sforza,
Oc Register,
29 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
When Hulu announced the family's new reality series, The Kardashians, in 2022, Caitlyn expressed her disappointment about not being included.—
Emily Blackwood,
PEOPLE,
30 Oct. 2025
-
The Philadelphia Phillies suffered a second straight playoff disappointment and some significant change could be coming to the roster.—
Peter Chawaga,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Mahama breaks off in exasperation.—
Charlie Campbell,
Time,
30 Oct. 2025
-
Some councilmembers reacted to the extension with exasperation Wednesday.—
Elliott Wenzler,
Denver Post,
22 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
But that conspiracy tends to manifest in the form of universal contemporary annoyances.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
30 Oct. 2025
-
Above-Mount and Vessel Sinks What can look like an impressive statement design decision can quickly become a daily annoyance.—
Lauren Bengtson,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Lamenting the state of life in a post-pandemic world, Peck offers an alternative to the dismay and disconnection of modernity with a dreamy, escapist country melody that offers to make like the title and simply float off into the distance.—
Stephen Daw,
Billboard,
31 Oct. 2025
-
Consequently, the creeping dismay of Henry Hill’s tablemates is at least as significant as Ray Liotta’s rising panic and fear.—
Graham Hillard,
The Washington Examiner,
31 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Recognized by the National Eczema Association, Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream is fragrance-free and packed with gentle ingredients like squalane, glycerin, and panthenol to hydrate and soothe without irritation.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
3 Nov. 2025
-
The irascible Cox has spent years prodding Day-Lewis in interviews over his acting techniques, largely as a way of explaining his irritation with Succession co-star (and Day-Lewis’s fellow Method actor) Jeremy Strong.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
3 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
In Shea Carney's house, those beverage bottles and cans eligible for a 10-cent deposit return have become more of a nuisance than a useful income boost.—
Keith Matheny,
Freep.com,
30 Oct. 2025
-
South Milwaukee requires exotic or wild animal owners to get a permit from the City Health Department, which can be denied if the animal poses a danger or nuisance.—
Quinn Clark,
jsonline.com,
30 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Though viewed as a largely symbolic vote given its low chance of passage, the resolution’s bipartisan support belies a growing and broadening dissatisfaction with the administration’s trade regime.—
Kate Nishimura,
Sourcing Journal,
29 Oct. 2025
-
Africa’s democracy index score has regressed recently, shrinking each of the past six years, pointing at voter dissatisfaction and weakening institutions.—
Jeronimo Gonzalez,
semafor.com,
28 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Frustration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frustration. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share