AGGRAVATES Synonyms: 117 Similar and Opposite Words

aggravates

verb

present tense third-person singular of aggravate

as in annoys

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in deepens

to make more severe overheated rhetoric that only aggravated an already tense situation

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of aggravates Mercury aggravates Jupiter, intensifying your vulnerability in creative or romantic situations. —

Usa Today, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2026 Flood conditions in Northern Lower Michigan have become increasingly dire in recent days, as heavy rainfall aggravates the winter snowmelt in the region. —

Terrance Friday, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026 Smoke from wildfires penetrates deep into the lungs and aggravates respiratory disease more than any other type of pollution. —

Becky Upham, EverydayHealth.com, 4 Mar. 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 Nathan tells him to get in the water in order to fix the hooks and ropes, but Max stands on the Jet Ski instead, which aggravates the bosun. —

Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 6 Jan. 2026 The minuscule particles can lead to breathing problems like bronchitis and cause inflammation that aggravates diabetes, heart disease and other health conditions. —

Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 5 Aug. 2025 Climate change exacerbates chronic and contagious disease, worsens food and water shortages, increases the risk of pandemics, and aggravates mass displacement. —

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Foreign Affairs, 23 Sep. 2019

Recent Examples of Synonyms for aggravates

Verb

What is the pettiest thing that annoys you during a race weekend?

— Jeff Gluck, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2026
Or when Reggie purposefully annoys Arthur by having his son, Carmelo (Jalyn Hall), practice with his a cappella group in Arthur’s editing suite, a move that demonstrates the increasingly teasing affection between Arthur and Reggie.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 14 Apr. 2026