EXASPERATION Synonyms: 82 Similar and Opposite Words

exasperation

noun

ig-ˌza-spə-ˈrā-shən

Definition of exasperation

as in headache

something that is a source of irritation add people who use cell phones inconsiderately to the list of daily exasperations

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in frustration

the feeling of impatience or anger caused by another's repeated disagreeable acts my rising exasperation with these constant interruptions

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 exasperation But their facial expressions and voices reveal a mix of frustration, exasperation and resignation. — Mark Bonamo Mark Bonamo Mark Bonamo Nicol León Arge Mark Bonamo Mark Bonamo Nicol León Arge Mark Bonamo Nicol León Arge Nicol León Arge Mark Bonamo Nicol León Arge Nicol León Arge Nicol León Arge Mark Bonamo Mark Bonamo Nicol León Arge Nicol León Arge Mark Bonamo Nicol León Arge Mark Bonamo Nicol León Arge, New York Times, 13 Oct. 2026 But through a bit of TV fame, and Ramsay’s signature yelling, ranting, exasperation and, in the end, brotherly wisdom, perhaps its restaurant dreams can come true. — Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 1 Oct. 2026 In a room full of fascists and fools, Ahmed’s projection of competence—and of the spluttering exasperation that is the lot of the competent—proves a genuine balm. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2026 Still, the suggestion that fashion removes sheep wool from its supply chain drew a breath of exasperation from some fashion insiders, and confusion from others. — Bella Webb, Vogue, 16 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exasperation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for exasperation

Noun

Symptoms can include headache, fever, stiff neck and sensitivity to light.

— Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2026
However, lead researcher Ferdinand Kuemmeth, an experimental physicist at the University of Regensburg and Copenhagen’s Niels Bohr Institute, argued that the technique solves a looming industrial headache.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of headache

Noun

But across this wolf may cry, her breathy delivery becomes so uniform that longing, frustration, and romantic desperation frequently sound indistinguishable.

— Precious Fondren, Pitchfork, 6 Nov. 2026
And rather than allowing his defense to anchor him during challenging games, the wing often allows his frustration to seep into his defensive assignments.

— Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of frustration

Noun

At one point, Montemayor voiced irritation after the mayor’s team announced the removal of security checkpoints on Pacific Coast Highway, then reversed course amid an outcry.

— David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 8 Nov. 2026
What a bravura little moment for Sarah Lancashire in this scene, as surprise, irritation, and resignation flicker across her face.

— Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of irritation

Noun

Print editions used to appear three times a week and proved to be a thorn in the side of the Kremlin.

— Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2026
The United States has around 54,000 military personnel stationed in Japan, mostly on Okinawa, and crimes committed by its personnel have been a thorn in relations between the close security allies.

— CBS News, CBS News, 9 Nov. 2026

Definition of thorn

Noun

Fans agreed and shared their displeasure at the lack of a quarterback sneak.

— Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 2 Nov. 2026
Steven Poole of the United Educators Association said teachers see the election as a chance to express displeasure with the intervention.

— Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of displeasure

Noun

In Shibuya, Halloween festivities were already a nuisance — but now, officials realized there was more to worry about than empty bottles and loud music.

— Lilit Marcus, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2026
The residents want a court to rule that Los Angeles must abate the nuisance on its properties, Wurman said.

— Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of nuisance

Browse Nearby Words

exasperating

exasperation

exasperations

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Exasperation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exasperation. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of exasperation

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

boilerplate

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

31 Useful Rhetorical Devices

More Commonly Misspelled Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Popular in Wordplay

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Longest Long Words List

The Words of the Week - Nov. 13

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes