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
Kendall Coleman, 28, pleaded guilty Thursday to charges of second-degree assault and aggravated fleeing a stop or detention causing physical injury, according to a guilty plea document filed in Jackson County court.
—
Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 7 Feb. 2026
Others find firm compressions to be uncomfortable and aggravate their associated carpal tunnel pain.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2026
Dallas’ big man appeared to aggravate his lingering ankle injury again in the second quarter of the Mavs’ game against the Celtics.
—Sportsday Staff, Dallas Morning News, 4 Feb. 2026
Buer pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, aggravated elderly abuse and tampering with physical evidence in connection with the murder.
—Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for aggravate
Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 7 Feb. 2026
Others find firm compressions to be uncomfortable and aggravate their associated carpal tunnel pain.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2026
Dallas’ big man appeared to aggravate his lingering ankle injury again in the second quarter of the Mavs’ game against the Celtics.
—Sportsday Staff, Dallas Morning News, 4 Feb. 2026
Buer pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, aggravated elderly abuse and tampering with physical evidence in connection with the murder.
—Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for aggravate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aggravate
Verb
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Rosebush Pruning, by contrast, feels designed to annoy us and push us away.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
15 Feb. 2026
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In this short 4-minute video from CoComelon, baby JJ does a number of things that may hurt or annoy someone near him, including sitting on his sister’s painting and slurping loudly on his juice.—
Marilyn La Jeunesse,
Parents,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Inflammation can cause or worsen chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis.—
Cristina Mutchler,
Verywell Health,
17 Feb. 2026
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If something feels new, different or worsens with movement, don’t ignore it.—
Jennifer Shanker,
Flow Space,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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And for Paramount, losing an expensive late-night comedian and irritating a few TV personalities may ultimately be the cost of doing business in a world where the biggest transactions could hinge on the feelings of a mercurial and demanding world leader.—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
23 Feb. 2026
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If something irritates you, the Aries moon encourages you to speak up.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Lopez’s remarks underscore the deepening rift with the union and charter advocates.—
Kate Armanini,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Feb. 2026
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Lula arrived in India for a state visit on Wednesday that will last through to Sunday, seeking to deepen ties with India which, like Brazil, is a founding member of the BRICS+ bloc of developing nations.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The man himself might have argued forcefully that the one didn’t prove the other, that many Muslims in his hometown never bothered to circumcise their children.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
20 Feb. 2026
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But only part of that really bothered the Florida Department of Health about Sidney Moritz, once known as Sandy Montano.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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He is credited with being a pioneer in using the fashion platform to address the HIV/AIDS crisis in the 1980s and more recently founded the Mental Health Coalition in 2020, when the mental health crisis was exacerbated amid the COVID-19 pandemic.—
Kimberly Nordyke,
HollywoodReporter,
17 Feb. 2026
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Many worry that the migrant crisis will only exacerbate this staggering bill.—
Boston Herald editorial staff,
Boston Herald,
17 Feb. 2026
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,
10 Feb. 2026
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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
Verb
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Crisis intensifies Fuel shortages and blackouts have been intensifying in Cuba this month as the nation struggles to import oil for its power plants and refineries.—
Andrea Rodriguez,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Feb. 2026
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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,
17 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Aggravate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aggravate. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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