1
as in headache
something that is a source of irritation
a reminder designed to prevent the aggravation of phones ringing during movies
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in harassment
the act of making unwelcome intrusions upon another
the neighbors' constant aggravations prompted us to move out of town
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in frustration
the feeling of impatience or anger caused by another's repeated disagreeable acts
informed her children that she didn't need the extra aggravation of hearing them fight in the back seat while they were stuck in traffic
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 aggravation
In a worst-case scenario, a personality clash could result in more aggravation than achievement.
—
Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2025
Jesse, of course, gets nothing other than a lot of aggravation.
—Peter J Reilly, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
Kathy Cady, who served as his victims’ rights attorney, is now the head of Hochman’s Bureau of Victim Services, another point of aggravation for the relatives fighting for the brothers’ release.
—James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2025
Your sleep is likely disrupted and leads to further aggravation of the symptoms arising from drinking to excess.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for aggravation
Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2025
Jesse, of course, gets nothing other than a lot of aggravation.
—Peter J Reilly, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
Kathy Cady, who served as his victims’ rights attorney, is now the head of Hochman’s Bureau of Victim Services, another point of aggravation for the relatives fighting for the brothers’ release.
—James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2025
Your sleep is likely disrupted and leads to further aggravation of the symptoms arising from drinking to excess.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for aggravation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aggravation
Noun
-
The fight over transit funding is just one part of a bigger headache—Pennsylvania’s budget is more than nine weeks late.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
4 Sep. 2025
-
Symptoms of Chagas disease include fever, fatigue, body aches, headache, rash, loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, and eyelid swelling.—
Jasmine Laws,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
She was ultimately charged with one class B misdemeanor for electronic communications harassment, and two more class B misdemeanors for electronic disclosure of personal identifying information.—
Ryan Coleman September 2,
EW.com,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Justice Defenders operates with a combination of federal money and in-kind ABA contributions, using the funds to support human rights defenders facing criminal charges, frivolous lawsuits and harassment.—
Ray Long,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
As the Supreme Court increasingly shows frustration with the overreach of lower court judges, the justices could be motivated to take up cases more quickly on matters where lower courts are ignoring their emergency docket orders, such as with the firing of independent agency heads.—
Jack Birle,
The Washington Examiner,
4 Sep. 2025
-
Advocates expressed frustration, emphasizing the need for comfortable and safe air travel for all passengers.—
Zach Wichter,
USA Today,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Couples who respect yellow lights tend to build trust, because hesitation is treated as valuable input, not as a nuisance.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
-
In this era of college athletics what was once a nuisance and an annoyance — college classes — now often appear to not even be a part of the equation.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
1 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The National Guard has long been used to help respond to civil disturbances, Banks noted.—
Zac Anderson,
USA Today,
26 Aug. 2025
-
If these issues aren't addressed by a mental health professional, some teens may turn to substances as well as withdraw from peers or family, or develop physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, and sleep disturbances, says Waitt.—
Sarah Scott,
Parents,
25 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
It's mainly used to keep the skin moisturized and reduce irritation.—
Lauren O'Connor,
Health,
2 Sep. 2025
-
Emery’s irritation has heightened throughout the last week.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
1 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Minor annoyances suddenly widen into a chasm neither can cross.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
Time,
29 Aug. 2025
-
It is reported that the noise disturbance/movement noise/furniture being dragged and doors slammed is coming from your property and is causing a nuisance and annoyance to other residents and stopping peaceful enjoyment and/or rest.—
Soo Kim,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
A number of other writers were exasperated by Hornby’s exasperation.—
Kelefa Sanneh,
New Yorker,
25 Aug. 2025
-
After answering five questions in front of his locker on Thursday night — all of which circled around the topic of his future with the Carolina Panthers — Hunter Renfrow laughed in faux exasperation.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
22 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Aggravation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aggravation. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share