peeve

verb

ˈpēv 

peeved; peeving

transitive verb

: to make peevish or resentful : annoy

Synonyms of peeve

• annoy
• bug
• bother
• irritate
• persecute

Choose the Right Synonym for peeve

irritate, exasperate, nettle, provoke, rile, peeve mean to excite a feeling of anger or annoyance.

irritate implies an often gradual arousing of angry feelings that may range from mere impatience to rage.

constant nagging that irritated me greatly

exasperate suggests galling annoyance and the arousing of extreme impatience.

his exasperating habit of putting off needed decisions

nettle suggests a sharp but passing annoyance or stinging.

your pompous attitude nettled several people

provoke implies an arousing of strong annoyance that may excite to action.

remarks made solely to provoke her

rile implies inducing an angry or resentful agitation.

the new work schedules riled the employees

peeve suggests arousing fretful often petty or querulous irritation.

a toddler peeved at being refused a cookie

Examples of peeve in a Sentence

she is constantly peeved by his habit of humming show tunes while she is trying to focus on her work

Recent Examples on the Web

As the round progressed, DeChambeau’s body language went from purposeful to puzzled to downright peeved, which is something of a typical descent for DeChambeau. —Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 14 May 2026

The Citi-folk in Queens have every right to be mortally peeved at David Stearns for trading away Brandon Nimmo, jettisoning Pete Alonso, thinking Devin Williams had the necessary chops to replace Edwin Diaz, and creating what’s become the worst team in New York this side of the Giants and Jets. —Bill Madden, Hartford Courant, 25 Apr. 2026

Perhaps peeved by the lack of respect for his defense, Gobert has flipped the script. —Troy Renck, Denver Post, 24 Apr. 2026

The guests are peeved that Tyler would have snuck a makeup artist onboard, since everyone was supposed to do their own makeup. —Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 14 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from peevish

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing peeve

• pet peeve

Rhymes for peeve

• breve
• cleave
• cleeve
• cleve
• eave
• eve
• grieve
• heave
• leave
• lieve
• neve
• reeve

Kids Definition

peeve

1 of 2 verb

ˈpēv 

peeved; peeving

: to make irritable or resentful : annoy, irritate

peeve

2 of 2 noun

1

: a feeling or mood of resentment

2

: something one finds annoying

a pet peeve