EXASPERATEDLY Synonyms: 255 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

exasperate 1 of 3

verb (1)

ig-ˈza-spə-ˌrāt

Definition of exasperate next

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

exasperated

2 of 3

adjective

ig-ˈza-spə-ˌrā-təd

as in annoyed

subjected to and reacting with irritation overworked, exasperated parents barking at their children over little things

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

exasperated

3 of 3

verb (2)

past tense of exasperate

as in irritated

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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

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 exasperate

Verb

They’re all exasperated by Craig. —

Brian Moylan, Vulture, 5 Mar. 2026 The judge said he was exasperated. —

Emerson Clarridge updated February 17, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Feb. 2026

Adjective

Now, Zelenskyy’s defiance of the Kremlin’s full-scale invasion has taken on an increasingly exasperated, if not desperate, tone. —

Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 24 Feb. 2026 Law enforcement officers in the courtroom shook their heads and an exasperated chuckle was heard at his question. —

Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 20 Feb. 2026

Verb

And when the game was over, both coaches were eager to remark about the atmosphere and unused seats, Georgetown’s Ed Cooley was curious and UConn’s Dan Hurley exasperated that the crowd wasn’t more raucous on this Valentine’s Night. —

Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 15 Feb. 2026 Longwell can get exasperated by her new allies on the left. —

Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 11 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exasperate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for exasperate

Adjective

There’s nothing wrong with legislators unwinding and heading back to their districts, but Americans are reasonably annoyed to see their representatives at a casino or theme park amid a partial government shutdown.

— Editorial Board, Washington Post, 31 Mar. 2026
The proud bronze lions outside the Art Institute are getting very annoyed and starting to grumble.

— Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026

Definition of annoyed

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“Exasperate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exasperate. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.

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Synonyms of exasperate

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