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
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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
Mara H. Gottfried, Twin Cities, 14 Aug. 2025
Miller said Facio being an on-duty police officer when he was killed was one of the aggravating factors that made Nunez eligible for the death penalty.
—Perry Vandell, AZCentral.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Chandler Rome, The Athletic, 7 Mar. 2025
Despite losing the starting role to Russell Wilson, Fields started the season after Wilson was sidelined after re-aggravating an injury.
—Paulina Dedaj, Fox News, 27 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for aggravating
Adjective
Impersonating a police officer with an aggravating factor of driving a vehicle that looked like a police car.
—Mara H. Gottfried, Twin Cities, 14 Aug. 2025
Miller said Facio being an on-duty police officer when he was killed was one of the aggravating factors that made Nunez eligible for the death penalty.
—Perry Vandell, AZCentral.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
Christian Walker aggravating his left oblique Wednesday afternoon opened myriad possibilities for general manager Dana Brown and manager Joe Espada, two men who’ve taken clear stances on promoting prospects.
—Chandler Rome, The Athletic, 7 Mar. 2025
Despite losing the starting role to Russell Wilson, Fields started the season after Wilson was sidelined after re-aggravating an injury.
—Paulina Dedaj, Fox News, 27 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for aggravating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aggravating
Adjective
-
For those with allergies, these particles can be inhaled and trigger annoying symptoms like sneezing, a runny nose, or itchy eyes.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Nadaly Cordless Vacuum Run the lightweight vacuum over hard floors and carpets to suck up dirt, dust, crumbs, and other debris — without an annoying cord to trail.—
Isabel Garcia,
PEOPLE,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
However, Agnes is dressed exactly like Wednesday and her Single White Female act is irritating the hell out of her hero.—
Jessica M. Goldstein,
Vulture,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Pesky skeeters are irritating Lake County residents as the number of insects carrying the worrisome West Nile Virus climbs.—
Charles Selle,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
The National Park Service did not change its confine and contain strategy to reflect the worsening conditions and maintained that there was still no threat to public safety or developed areas.—
Stephanie Murray,
AZCentral.com,
28 Aug. 2025
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Hidradenitis suppurativa tends to start after puberty and before age 40, persisting for many years and potentially worsening over time, according to Mayo Clinic.—
Angelica Stabile,
FOXNews.com,
28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Miami has a lot to prove, and Hill is expected to return to form after a frustrating season if the Dolphins were to make a push for the playoffs.—
Hunter Mulholland,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Aug. 2025
-
Some days are easier than others, and some are frustrating, but being steady makes a difference.—
Essence,
Essence,
29 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
So, at least for now, Chamorro is not bothering with the official Pop Mart drops.—
Ramishah Maruf,
CNN Money,
24 Aug. 2025
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While there is still hope that Clark can return this season from the groin injury that has been bothering her, there is no guarantee of that becoming a reality.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Europe stands united in expression of deep concerns and must commit to the deployment of ever-deepening concerns moving forward.—
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
2 Sep. 2025
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Beijing has been steadily deepening its presence in Brazil through investments in critical areas such as energy, agriculture and food security, defense, advanced technology, automobile manufacturing, a joint satellite program, and strategic infrastructure such as ports.—
HUSSEIN KALOUT,
Foreign Affairs,
2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
That's depicted in a disturbing, if somewhat inscrutable, scene.—
Esther Zuckerman,
Time,
6 Sep. 2025
-
Possibly, something disturbing will occur because someone has decided to make emotional demands on you.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
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According to reports, various outside powers in the Middle East, Africa and further afield have provided military assistance to one or other of the rival sides, complicating efforts to end the conflict.—
Robert Birsel
John Feng,
MSNBC Newsweek,
2 Sep. 2025
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Further complicating the process is the arrival of cheetahs imported from South Africa and Namibia to the Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary.—
Aishwarya S. Iyer,
CNN Money,
31 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Aggravating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aggravating. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.
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