1
as in frustrating
causing annoyance
her holier-than-thou attitude is galling
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in painful
hard to accept or bear especially emotionally
losing in the last round of play-offs was galling to our home team
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in eroding
to damage or diminish by continued friction
move that rope so the sharp edge of the hull doesn't gall it
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in annoying
to disturb the peace of mind of (someone) especially by repeated disagreeable acts
humming through your nose like that absolutely galls me
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in irritating
to make sore by continued rubbing
tie your shoes so they don't gall your heels sliding on and off like that
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of galling
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Mar. 2026
But to have the hypocrisy be laid out so starkly, just a few clicks away on the same website, is particularly galling.
—
James Folta,
Literary Hub,
9 Feb. 2026
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
6 Dec. 2025
Particularly galling to California taxpayers – who must balance the family budget in a state with a punishinglyhigh cost of living – is the fact that the deficits persist even with huge revenue increases.
—
Jon Coupal,
Oc Register,
24 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for galling
Adjective
Especially galling is how the state Democratic Party has done next to nothing to help Latinos become household names who can win.
—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Mar. 2026
But to have the hypocrisy be laid out so starkly, just a few clicks away on the same website, is particularly galling.
—
James Folta,
Literary Hub,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
Vulture’s Bilge Ebiri found the trauma plot especially galling in FNAF2, since that’s what every horror movie is about nowadays.
—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
6 Dec. 2025
Particularly galling to California taxpayers – who must balance the family budget in a state with a punishinglyhigh cost of living – is the fact that the deficits persist even with huge revenue increases.
—
Jon Coupal,
Oc Register,
24 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for galling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for galling
Adjective
-
So with that, that is extremely frustrating to, to members of Congress, especially Senate Republicans who think legislation like the bipartisan housing bill is good for voters heading into the midterms.
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But months later, Feldstein Soto’s office still hasn’t executed the contracts, frustrating tenants rights advocates and the nonprofits, which are struggling to pay their staff without the funds from the city.
Adjective
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With Boston sealing the sweep on a game-winning single from Jarren Duran, a nightmarish, long weekend at Fenway Park came to a painful end for the Bombers.
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Remember, stretching should never be painful.
Verb
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Each new channel brings new risk of eroding consumer trust if it’s not carefully managed.
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But experts and users warn that technology risks eroding authenticity and chemistry at the heart of real-world relationships.
Verb
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Weird; annoying even – but the floaters did not seem urgent.
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My biggest concern about adding a tracking device around Mya’s neck was annoying her or creating disruption.
Verb
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But for those who just want to grab a bite or see a movie at the IMAX theater, the security protocol is an additional — possibly irritating — barrier.
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The active ingredients in the formula include niacinamide, adenosine, and allantoin, which work together to brighten dark circles, smooth fine lines, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles without irritating sensitive skin.
Adjective
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The film is a modern take on the creature horror film told from the perspective of a young boy who slowly begins to discover that his beloved parents are hiding a disturbing secret about his mother’s true nature.
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This past Juneteenth weekend saw a spate of shooting incidents that underscored a disturbing trend.
Adjective
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Plant magnolias somewhere they will be protected from harsh winds, especially when buds or flowers are developing.
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Most clarifying shampoos tend to be a little harsh and drying, but this one is gentle and nourishing.
Verb
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He was last seen wearing a light green shirt, camouflage shorts and white socks.
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Murdaugh’s team initially asked that he be allowed to come to all court appearances, including pretrial hearings, wearing civilian clothes and unshackled.
Cite this Entry
“Galling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/galling. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.
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