GALLING Synonyms: 229 Similar and Opposite Words

galling 1 of 2

adjective

ˈgȯ-liŋ

Definition of galling

as in frustrating

causing annoyance her holier-than-thou attitude is galling

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in painful

hard to accept or bear especially emotionally losing in the last round of play-offs was galling to our home team

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

galling

2 of 2

verb

present participle of gall

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

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

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

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 galling

Adjective

What was particularly galling, according to sources at the meeting, was the plan for the building’s union employees. — Noah Shachtman, Vanity Fair, 25 Aug. 2026 More galling to Bonta is that what was discussed at that meeting slipped out into the public sphere. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 24 Aug. 2026

Verb

There’s no getting around paying taxes, but there’s something galling about paying for the privilege. — Brian Sloan,dan Avery, CNBC, 24 Mar. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for galling

Recent Examples of Synonyms for galling

Adjective

The frustrating part is that the offense has been really good.

— Andy Scholes, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2026
The Cowboys are one of the more frustrating teams in football.

— OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of frustrating

Adjective

As a young, aspiring writer, Perry yearned for dramatic, painful experiences to give her something to write about.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2026
The album explores heartbreak, healing, faith and survival while shining a light on some of the most painful chapters of Judd's life, including her complicated relationship with her late mother Naomi Judd and Kelley's struggles.

— Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of painful

Verb

By the late 1500s, the once vigorous Ming was severely eroding.

— Carl Minzner, Foreign Affairs, 5 Oct. 2026
That unease is eroding faith in political leaders and fueling calls for upheaval across the spectrum, from young conservatives to students backing progressive challengers in Michigan.

— Jacqueline Ganun, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of eroding

Verb

Kids in all three countries loved learning dances from TikTok and annoying their siblings.

— Ryan Lenora Brown, Christian Science Monitor, 12 Aug. 2026
Of course, this would depend on whether the managers choose to pick their strongest teams in what for some is a meaningless, even annoying extra fixture, for squads who just want to go home.

— Eduardo Tansley, New York Times, 18 July 2026

Definition of annoying

Verb

Tactics such as ragebait have only added to the fatigue, irritating enthusiasts already frustrated by the relentless churn of slop.

— Amy Francombe, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2026
The first step to brighter-looking underarms is figuring out what might be irritating them in the first place.

— Glamour, Glamour, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of irritating

Adjective

Brian had written down the recipe, and, in his back shed, Michael, with the eventual assistance of Kasey, sets about following it into strange and disturbing territory.

— Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
Artificial’s timeliness in that regard is striking, even disturbing.

— David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of disturbing

Adjective

Growing up under the harsh system of segregation influenced Pillay's interest in human rights and the law.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Oct. 2026
Growing up under the harsh system of segregation influenced Pillay’s interest in human rights and the law.

— Stefanie Dazio, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of harsh

Verb

Around me were fellow guests wearing Fendi headscarves and puffy Prada vests — none yet of the business travellers checking in with expense accounts.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Oct. 2026
Dozens of protesters, many of them young, dressed in black and wearing masks, threw rocks and firecrackers at police at the central Brussels railway station, before setting several fires, one to a pile of city bikes and electric scooters.

— Mark Carlson, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of wearing

Browse Nearby Words

gallimaufry

galling

gallivant

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Style

“Galling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/galling. Accessed 12 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of galling

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

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