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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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
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
Amanda Chicago Lewis, Harpers Magazine, 29 Apr. 2025
Following Joel’s departure, there’s been a perceptible vibe shift online; one further exasperated by the finale’s not one, but two, cliffhangers that leave Ellie’s fate in doubt for those who haven’t already played the game.
—Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 27 May 2025
Peter Debruge, Variety, 7 June 2025
Her announcement came the day after a chaotic two-hour debate punctuated by candidates shouting over an increasingly exasperated slate of moderators.
—Oren Oppenheim, ABC News, 6 June 2025
Dionne Searcey, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2025
In the first half, Flick’s team lacked composure and patience, leaving the manager exasperated.
—Pol Ballús, The Athletic, 23 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for exasperate
Verb
The lights flickered back on in less than a minute, and Woods came running by, exasperated.
—Amanda Chicago Lewis, Harpers Magazine, 29 Apr. 2025
Following Joel’s departure, there’s been a perceptible vibe shift online; one further exasperated by the finale’s not one, but two, cliffhangers that leave Ellie’s fate in doubt for those who haven’t already played the game.
—Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 27 May 2025
Adjective
In a one-scene cameo, Kyle MacLachlan represents the tough-love alternative as Kate’s exasperated ex-husband, who’s ready to throw in the towel, but agrees to write one last check — well aware his daughter will find some way to waste it.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 7 June 2025
Her announcement came the day after a chaotic two-hour debate punctuated by candidates shouting over an increasingly exasperated slate of moderators.
—Oren Oppenheim, ABC News, 6 June 2025
Verb
The culling of flocks and subsequent grocery store and restaurant price markups on eggs have exasperated shoppers.
—Dionne Searcey, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2025
In the first half, Flick’s team lacked composure and patience, leaving the manager exasperated.
—Pol Ballús, The Athletic, 23 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for exasperate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exasperate
Adjective
-
Republican leaders, who often are hoping for a revenue surge to finance tax relief, were equally annoyed.—
Keith M. Phaneuf,
Hartford Courant,
27 June 2025
-
Pritzker was highly annoyed, rightly so in our view, when Welch tanked the governor’s bill at the eleventh hour in January.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
26 June 2025
Adjective
-
But then Carrie, and the series, has continued to treat Wyatt’s condition, and his father’s obvious irritated denial of its realities, as simply a logistical obstacle in her fairy tale love story.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
4 July 2025
-
Use a soft-bristle brush and a wide-tooth comb, and take your time, especially around areas that already feel sparse or irritated. 2.—
Health,
Health,
26 June 2025
Adjective
-
Most of the time, Superman is depressed or angry or getting beat to a pulp or having cans thrown at him or getting arrested.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
9 July 2025
-
Others were frustrated—some even outright angry—that the Commission fell short of declaring all forms of obesity a disease and instead recommended a more nuanced clinical diagnosis.—
Francesco Rubino,
Time,
9 July 2025
Adjective
-
Yet, series creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann weren't too bothered when Pascal gave his war wound update.—
Bryan Alexander,
USA Today,
13 Apr. 2025
-
Everyone is hot and bothered, confused and unsure what to do next.—
Solitaire Townsend,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2025
Adjective
-
With less than 30 seconds to go in the game, and both teams tied at 77, Reese walked off the court visibly upset during a timeout.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
8 July 2025
-
But at the same time, local affordability concerns and overcrowding have skyrocketed, making the locals quite upset.—
Christopher Elliott,
USA Today,
8 July 2025
Adjective
-
Police made one arrest March 15, booking a boy into jail on suspicion of aggravated assault.—
Maritza Dominguez,
AZCentral.com,
8 July 2025
-
Joel Enrique Sandoval-Lopez, 22, from Honduras, had been arrested once for unlawful handgun possession and separately for aggravated assault in New Jersey, while 18-year-old Joan Sebastian Castaneda-Lozada, from Colombia, had been charged in May with burglary, theft and conspiracy.—
Theresa Braine,
New York Daily News,
24 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Exasperate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exasperate. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share