Synonyms of exasperate

exasperate

verb

ig-ˈza-spə-ˌrāt 

as in to annoy

to disturb the peace of mind of (someone) especially by repeated disagreeable acts

small children can exasperate their parents with endless questions about why this or that is so

Synonyms & Similar Words

• annoy
• irritate
• bother
• aggravate
• persecute
• bug
• infuriate
• irk
• vex
• rile
• spite
• anger
• get
• worry
• chafe
• eat
• pique
• burn (up)
• provoke
• itch
• gripe
• ruffle
• grate
• get to
• tease
• frost
• wear on
• nark
• gall
• insult
• hack (off)
• peeve
• plague
• put out
• nettle
• rub the wrong way
• rasp
• enrage
• offend
• inflame
• harass
• nag
• rouse
• upset
• get on one's nerves
• stick in one's craw
• unsettle
• set one's teeth on edge
• antagonize
• heckle
• get one's goat
• hassle
• pester
• agitate
• distress
• perturb
• outrage
• discomfort
• devil
• rankle
• discompose
• disquiet
• badger
• roil
• unhinge
• affront
• harry
• madden
• bait
• undo
• exercise
• fret
• incense
• freak (out)
• bullyrag
• miff
• hagride

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• appease
• placate
• pacify
• oblige
• conciliate
• please
• delight
• satisfy
• gratify
• mollify
• propitiate
• assure
• reassure
• soothe
• cheer
• gladden
• comfort
• content
• console
• quiet
• solace

Synonym Chooser

How is the word exasperate different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of exasperate are irritate, nettle, peeve, provoke, and rile. While all these words mean "to excite a feeling of anger or annoyance," exasperate suggests galling annoyance and the arousing of extreme impatience.

his exasperating habit of putting off needed decisions

When might irritate be a better fit than exasperate?

While in some cases nearly identical to exasperate, irritate implies an often gradual arousing of angry feelings that may range from mere impatience to rage.

constant nagging that irritated me greatly

When can nettle be used instead of exasperate?

In some situations, the words nettle and exasperate are roughly equivalent. However, nettle suggests a sharp but passing annoyance or stinging.

your pompous attitude nettled several people

When is it sensible to use peeve instead of exasperate?

The meanings of peeve and exasperate largely overlap; however, peeve suggests arousing fretful often petty or querulous irritation.

a toddler peeved at being refused a cookie

In what contexts can provoke take the place of exasperate?

Although the words provoke and exasperate have much in common, provoke implies an arousing of strong annoyance that may excite to action.

remarks made solely to provoke her

When is rile a more appropriate choice than exasperate?

The words rile and exasperate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rile implies inducing an angry or resentful agitation.

the new work schedules riled the employees

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of exasperate

And based on the docket, the federal judge who handled her case grew exasperated with the avalanche of filings. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2026

Dana Sue and Ronnie's strained relationship is exasperated by a fire that breaks out — accelerated by off-brand e-bikes Ronnie bought behind Dana Sue’s back and stored in their garage — and damages their house. — Francesca Gariano, PEOPLE, 13 June 2026

The fans were exasperated with the police presence. — Zach Harper, New York Times, 9 June 2026

Six mutters and sighs and rolls his head as if profoundly exasperated. — Literary Hub, 21 May 2026

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!