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
The law acknowledges this, as well, using the terms aggravating factor or mitigating factor to describe the context that should be provided to decision-makers.
—
Literary Hub, 20 Jan. 2026
Cucul-Bol was sentenced to 30 years in prison after accepting a plea deal for charges including leaving the scene of a crash resulting in death, aggravated DUI resulting in death and reckless homicide.
—Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 18 Jan. 2026
In the extreme off-chance that Darnold doesn’t play or aggravates the injury, the Seahawks would call upon Drew Lock, who has just three regular season passing attempts on the year.
—Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 16 Jan. 2026
Brodin played for Team Sweden at the World Championship last May and aggravated an injury that limited him in training camp.
—Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 15 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for aggravate
Literary Hub, 20 Jan. 2026
Cucul-Bol was sentenced to 30 years in prison after accepting a plea deal for charges including leaving the scene of a crash resulting in death, aggravated DUI resulting in death and reckless homicide.
—Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 18 Jan. 2026
In the extreme off-chance that Darnold doesn’t play or aggravates the injury, the Seahawks would call upon Drew Lock, who has just three regular season passing attempts on the year.
—Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 16 Jan. 2026
Brodin played for Team Sweden at the World Championship last May and aggravated an injury that limited him in training camp.
—Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 15 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for aggravate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aggravate
Verb
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In particular, you might be concerned or annoyed about financial issues with a friend or a group.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
25 Jan. 2026
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Here are two habits that often annoy people the most, and reliably signal that a partner is deeply invested in you.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Capelouto Software stock slide worsens on AI fears US software stocks sank further Tuesday on swelling investor fears that new AI tools will eat their lunch.—
semafor.com,
semafor.com,
3 Feb. 2026
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Certain behaviors can worsen food noise.—
Shiv Sudhakar,
FOXNews.com,
2 Feb. 2026
Verb
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A lot of anti-aging skincare contains ingredients like retinol that can be drying and irritating, but Cetaphil has a possible solution.—
Lauren Taylor,
Southern Living,
30 Jan. 2026
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Cold outdoor air plus active heat indoors can pull moisture from both the scalp and hair shaft, which can be irritating.—
Helen Carefoot,
Flow Space,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
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In 2013, Skakel walked out of prison as a free man and later saw his conviction vacated in a move that further deepened the mystery of who Moxley’s true killer is.—
Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
31 Jan. 2026
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Gro-Low sumac performs best in full sun and tolerates partial shade, but will become less vigorous as the shade deepens.—
Tim Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Sirianni remains safe despite the outcry, yet two young Eagles stars don't even bother to pay attention to the noise.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
6 Feb. 2026
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Most people are able to put the splint away once their plantar fasciitis no longer bothers them.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Washington has also threatened tariffs on any country that sells oil to Cuba, exacerbating what experts say is the worst economic crisis since independence in 1902.—
semafor.com,
semafor.com,
3 Feb. 2026
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Invariably, anarchy reigns both on stage and off in the wings, usually exacerbated by the triangular tensions — sometimes romantic, sometimes simply professional — produced between the weekly celebrity guest, Kermit and Miss Piggy.—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
3 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Instead, Ladinig says Pierre Haobsh bugged Henry Han's computer with a spyware app called a keylogger.—
Natalie Morales,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
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Harry, along with Elton John, Elizabeth Hurley, Sadie Frost and others, alleges the publisher hired private investigators to bug their cars, obtain personal records and eavesdrop on calls.—
Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa,
FOXNews.com,
20 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Tensions between anti-ICE demonstrators and federal officers have intensified in recent weeks in cities across the country, particularly after the shooting deaths of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti in separate incidents last month in Minneapolis.—
Landon Mion,
FOXNews.com,
4 Feb. 2026
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Other concerns are that power-hungry data centers fed by natural gas generators can hurt air quality, consume water and intensify climate damage.—
Conor Harrison,
The Conversation,
3 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Aggravate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aggravate. Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.
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