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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of aggravate
Formulated without alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, the TheraBreath Whitening Fresh Breath Oral Rinse uses glucose oxidase and enzymes called papain to help break up stains and kill bad-breath-causing bacteria—all without aggravating sensitive teeth and gums.
—
Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
When law enforcement showed up, Davis asked to have his hands cuffed in front of him, so as not to aggravate his bum shoulder.
—Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 16 Sep. 2025
Recent revelations about how AI chatbots impact the well-being of some children aggravated long-standing worries about the policies and practices of powerful tech companies.
—Kristina Karisch, The Hill, 15 Sep. 2025
Jackson missed a month because of a toe injury in preseason, then re-aggravated it in the opening loss against the Colts.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 13 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for aggravate
Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
When law enforcement showed up, Davis asked to have his hands cuffed in front of him, so as not to aggravate his bum shoulder.
—Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 16 Sep. 2025
Recent revelations about how AI chatbots impact the well-being of some children aggravated long-standing worries about the policies and practices of powerful tech companies.
—Kristina Karisch, The Hill, 15 Sep. 2025
Jackson missed a month because of a toe injury in preseason, then re-aggravated it in the opening loss against the Colts.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 13 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for aggravate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aggravate
Verb
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The New York Yankees were annoyed by the way several members of the 2024 Dodgers spent the offseason taking potshots at their World Series opponent.—
Chris Kirschner,
New York Times,
24 Sep. 2025
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While some fans weren’t overly concerned about the picture, arguing the players were just having fun, others were annoyed to see Bronco athletes decked out in the gear of a regional school.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
23 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Last year, Decker’s ex-wife, Whitney Decker, reportedly filed a petition to modify the family’s parenting plan, citing his worsening mental health issues.—
Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
26 Sep. 2025
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He’s been sedated for the most part since the crash, to prevent any additional physical exertion or agitation that could worsen his injuries.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
26 Sep. 2025
Verb
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His eerie calm seems to irritate Dawn even more than a candidly emotional confrontation would have done.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
30 Sep. 2025
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The cranky and irritating backseat driver, who bums a lift midway through the Griswolds' adventure, also has with her the easily excitable pooch Dinky.—
Jordan Hoffman,
Entertainment Weekly,
28 Sep. 2025
Verb
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His appetites and his animosities only deepen.—
David Remnick,
New Yorker,
27 Sep. 2025
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Jung Yeon-Je / AFP via Getty Images file Kim has also deepened his country’s military cooperation with Russia, sending artillery and thousands of troops to support President Vladimir Putin’s war against Ukraine.—
Stella Kim,
NBC news,
26 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Finney's younger sister Gwen (Madeleine McGraw) is bothered by nightmarish visions of an alpine camp, and the siblings investigate only to discover that the Grabber has found a way to torture from the other side.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
25 Sep. 2025
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Common Pests and Problems Hardy cyclamen planted in ground are rarely bothered by pests.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
24 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Some experts underscored the elevated risk of political violence created by social media, saying its algorithms favor provocative posts that induce user engagement but exacerbate political division.—
Max Zahn,
ABC News,
25 Sep. 2025
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This shortage was exacerbated during the pandemic home-buying frenzy, when historically low mortgage rates triggered a surge in demand all across the country which brought prices up.—
MSNBC Newsweek,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Don’t let those small scratches bug you—just use a little Bar Keeper’s Friend to buff them out.—
Quincy Bulin,
Southern Living,
29 Sep. 2025
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The singer admitted that he bugs Brown and his son for constant updates on the baby girl.—
Janelle Ash,
FOXNews.com,
28 Sep. 2025
Verb
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These storms may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
25 Sep. 2025
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This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
25 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Aggravate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aggravate. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
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