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
Georgia also has an anti-hazing law that deems hazing a misdemeanor of a high or aggravated nature that is punishable by up to one year in jail.
—
Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 26 Aug. 2025
Yezreel Salter, 26, of Lynwood, was taken into custody June 6 on charges of felony aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon, transportation or possession of open alcohol by a driver and possession of 10 grams or less of cannabis.
—Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 26 Aug. 2025
In the meantime, analysts do not expect thousands of Russian gas stations to run dry but believe the disruption will aggravate already high inflation and likely mean an extension of the ban on gasoline exports into the autumn, as the Kremlin tries to tamp down prices and ensure supply.
—Tim Lister, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2025
The 49ers traded on Wednesday for Skyy Moore from the Kansas City Chiefs, after Cowing aggravated a hamstring injury and Gage sustained a knee sprain.
—Cam Inman, Mercury News, 21 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for aggravate
Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 26 Aug. 2025
Yezreel Salter, 26, of Lynwood, was taken into custody June 6 on charges of felony aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon, transportation or possession of open alcohol by a driver and possession of 10 grams or less of cannabis.
—Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 26 Aug. 2025
In the meantime, analysts do not expect thousands of Russian gas stations to run dry but believe the disruption will aggravate already high inflation and likely mean an extension of the ban on gasoline exports into the autumn, as the Kremlin tries to tamp down prices and ensure supply.
—Tim Lister, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2025
The 49ers traded on Wednesday for Skyy Moore from the Kansas City Chiefs, after Cowing aggravated a hamstring injury and Gage sustained a knee sprain.
—Cam Inman, Mercury News, 21 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for aggravate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aggravate
Verb
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Comments about my fast walk annoy me.—
Abigail Van Buren,
Boston Herald,
5 Sep. 2025
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Keanu, still annoyed from the veto ceremony, talked to Ava Pearl in the HOH room and called Rachel a liar.—
David Wysong,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The company travels to Rome, where Blackshirts march in the piazzas, but Duse’s health worsens.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
5 Sep. 2025
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Checking in with a pediatrician, school counselor, or a mental health professional can provide guidance before patterns worsen.—
Adrienne Farr,
Parents,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Sulfur dioxide and resulting vog (volcanic smog) can irritate eyes and respiratory systems, particularly in people with asthma and other chronic lung conditions, according to the Hawaii State Department of Health.—
Daniel Orton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Sep. 2025
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Not to mention, fragrances can irritate the skin.—
Elisabeth Sherman,
Parents,
29 Aug. 2025
Verb
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For Josie Ferreira, a New Yorker attending her third cookout, the event is a rare chance to gather across boroughs and deepen bonds.—
Essence,
Essence,
6 Sep. 2025
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Esmeralda seems clearly intended as an instant fan favorite, a go-to source of big, broad laughs who somehow deepens with every new quirk.—
Jesse Hassenger,
Vulture,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The acting didn’t bother me, but the directing did.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
4 Sep. 2025
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If the odds of winning the lottery are so low, why do people bother playing?—
Charles Trepany,
USA Today,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Burberry's share price has fallen sharply over recent years, declining almost 80% from April 2023 to September 2024, as waning sales and a slew of management changes exacerbated a wider luxury downturn.—
Karen Gilchrist,
CNBC,
4 Sep. 2025
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Over time, that issue was exacerbated as leadership made decisions that were more accommodating to White families.—
Krista Johnson,
Louisville Courier Journal,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
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His not winning it was considered a failure, and that bugged him.—
Brody Miller,
New York Times,
21 Aug. 2025
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The characters muse about the extreme likelihood that their apartments have been bugged.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
14 Aug. 2025
Verb
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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.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
5 Sep. 2025
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Magnet programs and schools were a way to promote voluntary integration, though locally the magnet system has intensified the city's racial and economic divide, a previous Courier Journal investigation found.—
Krista Johnson,
Louisville Courier Journal,
4 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Aggravate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aggravate. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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