annoyance

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noun an·noy·ance \ ə-ˈnȯi-ən(t)s \

Definition of annoyance

1 :the act of annoying someone or of being annoyed

2 :the state or feeling of being annoyed :vexation

She couldn't hide her annoyance.

3 :a source of vexation or irritation :nuisance

The delay was a minor annoyance.

See annoyance defined for English-language learners

See annoyance defined for kids

Examples of annoyance in a Sentence

She expressed annoyance at the slow service.
they have an unlisted number in the hopes that it will reduce the constant annoyance by telemarketers

Recent Examples of annoyance from the Web

Regardless of the nomenclature, the annoyance level for Kim France was the same.

— jon brodkin, Ars Technica, "Junk call nightmare flooded woman with hundreds of bizarre phone calls a day," 28 Aug. 2017
Another factor Team Kasich would have to confront: the annoyance among many Republicans at Kasich's continued criticism of Trump.

— jessie balmert, Cincinnati.com, "Kasich-Hickenlooper 2020? It could happen," 25 Aug. 2017
Extreme joy, annoyance, anger and occasions for drama and gossip are a magnet for images of black people, especially black femmes.

— lauren michele jackson, Teen Vogue, "We Need to Talk About Digital Blackface in Reaction GIFs," 2 Aug. 2017
The members of Trump's cabinet face plenty of annoyances that are not new.

— elaina plott, GQ, "Ryan Zinke, Trump's Cowboy Enforcer, Is Ready for His Closeup," 31 July 2017
One minor annoyance to prepare for ahead of time: mosquitos.

— kathryn romeyn, Vogue, "Flamingos, Whale Sharks, and the Magic of Mexico’s Isla Holbox," 17 July 2017
Still, Ayyadurai could be a serious annoyance for Warren, if no other reason than that his tactics will draw attention.

— ed kilgore, Daily Intelligencer, "Self-Described ‘Real Indian’ Offers Abrasive Challenge to Warren," 14 July 2017
The culprit here instead seems to be a culture that increasingly treats young men as annoyances or even dangers.

— chris stirewalt, Fox News, "Dems still not ready to get serious," 6 July 2017
That’s important, because other automakers' attempts to make new, smaller shifters have led to problems ranging from customer annoyance to rollaway vehicles and possibly some deaths.

— mark phelan, Detroit Free Press, "GMC bets on new shifter design in 2018 Terrain SUV," 2 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'annoyance.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of annoyance

14th century

annoyance Synonyms

Synonyms

aggravation, bedevilment, botheration, bothering, bugging, disturbance, harassment, harrying, importunity, pestering, teasing, vexation

Related Words

aggro [British], molestation, offense (or offence), persecution, provocation, torment, torture; devilment, devilry, mischief

Near Antonyms

delight, pleasure

ANNOYANCE Defined for English Language Learners

annoyance

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noun

Definition of annoyance for English Language Learners

: slight anger : the feeling of being annoyed
: something that causes feelings of slight anger or irritation : a source of annoyance

ANNOYANCE Defined for Kids

annoyance

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noun an·noy·ance \ ə-ˈnȯi-əns \

Definition of annoyance for Students

1 :slight anger

I sense your annoyance with me.

2 :a source or cause of slight anger

This itch is an annoyance.

Learn More about annoyance

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for annoyance Spanish Central: Translation of annoyance Nglish: Translation of annoyance for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of annoyance for Arabic speakers

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ANNOYANCE Defined for English Language Learners

annoyance

Definition of annoyance for English Language Learners

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annoyance

Definition of annoyance for Students

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