as in frustrating
causing annoyance
after a few days, she found the monotonous work to be absolutely maddening
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in disturbing
to cause to go insane or as if insane
the endless swarms of mosquitoes all but maddened the explorers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in infuriating
to make angry
her perpetual tardiness maddened her friends to no end
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of maddening
Troy Renck, Denver Post, 24 Oct. 2025
In addition to receiving his literary gifts with sometimes maddening innocence, rural Kansas made the pleasant discovery that Truman Capote’s personal characteristics are accented by an irrepressible capacity for enjoyment.
—Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
Kathryn Paige Harden, The Atlantic, 10 Nov. 2025
Golfers can stop blaming bad luck for those maddening near-misses.
—Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for maddening
Adjective
And the number of incorrect calls remains maddening.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 24 Oct. 2025
In addition to receiving his literary gifts with sometimes maddening innocence, rural Kansas made the pleasant discovery that Truman Capote’s personal characteristics are accented by an irrepressible capacity for enjoyment.
—Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
This complexity is particularly maddening in a scientist like Watson.
—Kathryn Paige Harden, The Atlantic, 10 Nov. 2025
Golfers can stop blaming bad luck for those maddening near-misses.
—Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for maddening
Recent Examples of Synonyms for maddening
Adjective
-
The redshirt senior quarterback is the crown jewel of the Knights’ 2026 transfer class, bringing with him the hope of improvement from a frustrating 5-7 season in 2025.—
Matt Murschel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
13 Jan. 2026
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Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens sees expanding MARTA into Cobb and Gwinnett counties as a key step toward better regional connection, while metro Atlanta residents continue to struggle with traffic congestion that’s both frustrating and dangerous.—
Riley Bunch,
AJC.com,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
But then Detective Nathanial Saint shows up carrying disturbing news and an even more unexpected jolt of creativity.—
Lizz Schumer,
PEOPLE,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Arrest follows disturbing video The Hopkins County Sheriff's Office arrested Hicks for animal cruelty.—
J.D. Miles,
CBS News,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The implications are infuriating.—
Boston Herald editorial staff,
Boston Herald,
7 Jan. 2026
-
The hosts’ stand-in captain was at his eccentric best, infuriating bowlers and fielders alike.—
Tim Spiers,
New York Times,
6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
That one is a flimsy piano ballad where the duo’s approach to vocals—strangled, swirled and gasping—comes off more annoying than innovative, like a joke that isn’t funny anymore.—
Andrew Ryce,
Pitchfork,
12 Jan. 2026
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The weight of the tool allows for more control, allowing for the blade to safely and gently glide across your face to exfoliate and remove annoying peach fuzz.—
Taryn Brooke,
Glamour,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Canales-Pelaez said that local departments may be confusing administrative warrants with criminal ones, or overcomplying to avoid backlash from the state Legislature.—
Emiliano Tahui Gómez,
Austin American Statesman,
10 Jan. 2026
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Among the factors hindering higher youth participation, CIRCLE research shows, include confusing registration deadlines and requirements, a lack of youth outreach and a dearth of regular curriculum that teaches young people about elections and voting in school.—
Tess Kenny,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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With an economy that is persistently reliant on crude, pursuing policies that raise energy costs risks angering constituents.—
Justin Worland,
Time,
9 Jan. 2026
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The board instead approved a resolution to reexamine current campus spaces, angering some parents.—
Imani Cruzen,
Twin Cities,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Plus, pH-balanced formulations and non-irritating ingredients solidify the full profile of a gentle cleanser.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
15 Jan. 2026
-
What an irritating phrase, Helen thinks.—
Sadia Shepard,
New Yorker,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Josh asks for silence, then later explains — in an exasperated tone — that the ruckus was distracting him.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
20 Jan. 2026
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Griffin has a bright future, but dreams of college or the WNBA are not distracting her from the here and now.—
Steve Galluzzo,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Maddening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maddening. Accessed 24 Jan. 2026.
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