1
as in to bother
to cause to go insane or as if insane
the endless swarms of mosquitoes all but maddened the explorers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to infuriate
to make angry
her perpetual tardiness maddened her friends to no end
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of madden
Most people have experienced the maddening grind of trying to fix a billing mistake, appeal an insurance decision or schedule a medical appointment, only to be pulled into a maze of forms, portals and hold music.
—
Nitin Ware, Washington Post, 5 Jan. 2026
The core concept is no doubt still maddening to plenty of Christians who would like Santa left alone.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 11 Dec. 2025
That maddening tie against Green Bay, and the inexcusable home loss against the Arizona Cardinals, have the potential to haunt this team right out of any chance at a meaningful game in the middle of December.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Nov. 2025
Per the synopsis, her interactions with her family, lovers and friends will take the audience on a tour of lives crumbling under maddening pressure on a stormy day in Mexico City.
—Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 12 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for madden
Nitin Ware, Washington Post, 5 Jan. 2026
The core concept is no doubt still maddening to plenty of Christians who would like Santa left alone.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 11 Dec. 2025
That maddening tie against Green Bay, and the inexcusable home loss against the Arizona Cardinals, have the potential to haunt this team right out of any chance at a meaningful game in the middle of December.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Nov. 2025
Per the synopsis, her interactions with her family, lovers and friends will take the audience on a tour of lives crumbling under maddening pressure on a stormy day in Mexico City.
—Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 12 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for madden
Recent Examples of Synonyms for madden
Verb
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Zamiri doesn’t really bother filming fans rushing Charli’s car or whatever—this has been the quintessential mock-pop-doc scene since A Hard Day’s Night but these days the fans rush you online.—
Anna Gaca,
Pitchfork,
30 Jan. 2026
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Aquarius' biggest struggle in 2026 Don’t bother trying to control the outcome.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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But Newsom’s decision to leave LaMalfa’s seat vacant as long as possible has infuriated California Republicans.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Jan. 2026
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Besides playing with his usual defensive edginess, Larsson chipped in 16 points (7-for-9 shooting), nine assists, six rebounds and a steal and twice managed to infuriate normally mild-manner veteran DeMar DeRozan, who body checked him to the ground on one sequence and clotheslined him on another.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
21 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Her lawyers argued that the media frenzy over the case, the prosecution’s use of a transcript for a grainy audio tape, and other factors all played into making the trial unconstitutional.—
Colleen Cronin,
Boston Herald,
7 Jan. 2026
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But the media frenzy around Swift’s relationship with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has put even more attention on the stars on the sidelines.—
Zoe Guy,
Vulture,
24 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Many of the Italians who chanted and blew whistles near the grand stone arch in the Piazza XXV Aprile said they had been horrified and angered by images and videos on social media showing ICE agents operating violently in Minneapolis.—
Brian Mann,
NPR,
31 Jan. 2026
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Last year, Congress passed legislation at the request of the president to rescind $9 billion in foreign aid and public broadcasting funding, angering Democrats and some Republicans.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
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He was also disturbed by the 2016 murder of Labour parliamentarian Jo Cox by a far-right figure associated with neo-Nazi groups who had been radicalized online.—
Andrew Lapin,
Sun Sentinel,
12 Jan. 2026
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But then Detective Nathanial Saint shows up carrying disturbing news and an even more unexpected jolt of creativity.—
Lizz Schumer,
PEOPLE,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The killing of Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis last Saturday has enraged many people across the country.—
Frank Langfitt,
NPR,
29 Jan. 2026
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Duran booted a water bottle on his way down the tunnel while manager Unai Emery was enraged by Newcastle assistant Jason Tindall putting his finger to his lips and telling the Spaniard to be quiet.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The sheer bulk of the suit might confuse the human eye from a distance, but in large open spaces, like snowfields, anything that looks a little odd will stand out.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
31 Jan. 2026
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Many people confuse the center with Crossroads Church or Crossroad Health Center, Pelicano said.—
Bebe Hodges,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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In particular, you might be concerned or annoyed about financial issues with a friend or a group.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
25 Jan. 2026
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Here are two habits that often annoy people the most, and reliably signal that a partner is deeply invested in you.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Madden.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/madden. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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