as in annoying
causing annoyance
there's nothing so aggravating as a blaring car alarm that no one is paying any attention to
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in irritating
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in worsening
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 aggravating
Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 12 Nov. 2025
According to court filings, the state is seeking the death penalty for both men, citing multiple aggravating factors.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2025
Reuters 24 Min Ago, CNN Money, 12 Dec. 2025
Jackson has been sidelined since re-aggravating a toe injury in the season opener against Indianapolis.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 29 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for aggravating
Adjective
Substantial evidence supports the trial court’s true finding on that aggravating factor.
—Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 12 Nov. 2025
According to court filings, the state is seeking the death penalty for both men, citing multiple aggravating factors.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
The rebels’ gains bring the conflict to the doorstep of neighboring Burundi, which has had troops in eastern Congo for years, aggravating fears of further regional spillover of fighting that has already killed thousands of people and displaced hundreds of thousands more since January.
—Reuters 24 Min Ago, CNN Money, 12 Dec. 2025
Jackson has been sidelined since re-aggravating a toe injury in the season opener against Indianapolis.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 29 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for aggravating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aggravating
Adjective
-
That one is a flimsy piano ballad where the duo’s approach to vocals—strangled, swirled and gasping—comes off more annoying than innovative, like a joke that isn’t funny anymore.—
Andrew Ryce,
Pitchfork,
12 Jan. 2026
-
The weight of the tool allows for more control, allowing for the blade to safely and gently glide across your face to exfoliate and remove annoying peach fuzz.—
Taryn Brooke,
Glamour,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Fresh air helps clear out lingering smells, dust, and potentially irritating VOCs, says Mitchell.—
Caroline Lubinsky,
Martha Stewart,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Meanwhile, discussions with siblings, relatives and neighbors might be irritating or worse.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The shipments come as Cuba faces a worsening energy crisis, marked by rolling blackouts, fuel shortages, and mounting economic strain.—
Chelsea Jones,
CBS News,
13 Jan. 2026
-
For example, avoiding deep cleaning areas of your home can lead to worsening build-up of soap scum, bacteria, and other accumulating atrocities that can damage surfaces, bedding, plumbing, and even your appliances.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
The Spruce,
13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The redshirt senior quarterback is the crown jewel of the Knights’ 2026 transfer class, bringing with him the hope of improvement from a frustrating 5-7 season in 2025.—
Matt Murschel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens sees expanding MARTA into Cobb and Gwinnett counties as a key step toward better regional connection, while metro Atlanta residents continue to struggle with traffic congestion that’s both frustrating and dangerous.—
Riley Bunch,
AJC.com,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Try taking just 10 or 15 minutes at the same time each day to write out what's bothering you.—
Andee Tagle,
NPR,
15 Jan. 2026
-
My stomach has been bothering me all day.—
Dave Skretta,
Baltimore Sun,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
But there were bright spots, too, including awe-inspiring concerts; trips to different cities and countries; and deepening friendships over card games, meals and dancing until the wee hours.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Anjula Acharia is deepening her partnership with Warner Music Group, launching a new management entity under the 5 Junction umbrella less than a year after establishing the label.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
According to The Marshall Project, federal officers fired on at least nine people in their vehicles over a four-month period, evidence of a disturbing pattern.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Zhang was quickly identified as a suspect based on her allegedly increasingly disturbing behavior, according to authorities.—
Nate Gartrell,
Mercury News,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
That thing’s been bugging on him for a while.—
Pete Sweeney,
Kansas City Star,
29 Dec. 2025
-
Then Julian dropped one of his wireless earbuds into Olympia’s purse, using it as a crude bugging device.—
Noel Murray,
Vulture,
12 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Aggravating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aggravating. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
