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
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Recent Examples of aggravating
CBS News, 23 Jan. 2026
The same was true for aggravating factors.
—Literary Hub, 20 Jan. 2026
Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for aggravating
Adjective
The Florida Supreme Court found that the trial court erred in handling the aggravating factors of his case and ordered a new sentencing.
—CBS News, 23 Jan. 2026
The same was true for aggravating factors.
—Literary Hub, 20 Jan. 2026
Verb
Reaves is approaching the four-week point after aggravating his calf injury on Christmas Day.
—Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for aggravating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aggravating
Adjective
-
There is nothing more annoying than corners coming undone mid-sleep.—
Jasmine Gomez,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Feb. 2026
-
One layer gives me all-over, medium-to-full coverage, a few additional dots to my cheeks and chin cover up the annoying splotchiness that's showed up on my skin recently.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
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
-
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
-
Gripped by a worsening economic crisis, Cuba’s government recently adopted rationing measures to protect essential services and ration fuel supplies for key sectors.—
Sam Meredith,
CNBC,
14 Feb. 2026
-
The five preceding episodes depicted Louie’s worsening health, with Harden keeping a dignified smile on Louie’s face but also moving a little slower and admitting to more pain.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
People who have filed claims complain that the review process has been complicated, frustrating and painstakingly slow and that cases are closed with no notice and no money awarded for their losses.—
Michael Collins,
USA Today,
14 Feb. 2026
-
The situation with Harlow, our deaf patient, is incredibly frustrating.—
Maggie Fremont,
Vulture,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
One Florida resident reportedly hired a local mover without bothering to determine if the company was licensed, only to run into a boatload of trouble.—
Lew Sichelman,
Miami Herald,
5 Feb. 2026
-
If your knee is bothering you, for instance, the vibration might distract your brain enough for the pain to temporarily retreat.—
Jennifer Heimlich,
Time,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Prince William has deliberately distanced himself from Prince Harry, deepening a rift that remains unresolved six years later.—
Stephanie Nolasco,
FOXNews.com,
16 Feb. 2026
-
Political divides within countries are deepening, even among long-standing allies.—
Alan H.H. Fleischmann,
Time,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
But the extent of our housing affordability crisis is more disturbing than ever before.—
Margi Glavovic Nothard,
Sun Sentinel,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Beginning with a montage of news footage from the day — the notorious May 1985 European Cup final between Italian club Juventus and English rivals Liverpool — the film’s open text informs viewers, or rather warns them, that disturbing historical images may follow.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
14 Feb. 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 19 Feb. 2026.
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