REBARBATIVE Synonyms: 59 Similar and Opposite Words

rebarbative

adjective

ri-ˈbär-bə-tiv

Definition of rebarbative

as in irritating

causing annoyance there are aspects of that writer's personality that any reasonable person would regard as rebarbative, but we're just reading his novels—not marrying him

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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 rebarbative Why not place a bet on Tala Madani, whose desultory drawing and wildly rebarbative conceits might have the impact at the Met that artists like Matisse once had in Paris? — Sebastian Smee, Washington Post, 27 Apr. 2023 One wonders why a skinny, rebarbative marionette should be getting so much attention. — Joan Acocella, The New Yorker, 6 June 2022 But Krugman can also sound like a cross between a bloodthirsty Robespierre and a rebarbative GIF. — Sebastian Mallaby, The Atlantic, 5 Feb. 2020

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rebarbative

Adjective

That tiny gesture may explain why secret copying can feel especially irritating.

— Alesandra Dubin, Glamour, 17 Sep. 2026
Despite its splashy unveiling, Project Zenith is more about making the OS less irritating for developers than adding any groundbreaking capabilities.

— Chris Hoffman, PC Magazine, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of irritating

Adjective

Small dust particles and annoying pathogens can be lurking all around your home causing allergies to flair.

— George Yang, PC Magazine, 25 Sep. 2026
Having never cleaned my rain gutters since becoming a homeowner five years ago, I was stunned to learn that this annoying task should be completed once, if not twice, a year.

— Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of annoying

Adjective

What age should a kid get a phone There isn’t one clean answer to the age question, and that can feel frustrating when your kid’s friends already have phones.

— Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Sep. 2026
Asked about the most frustrating part of the job, 30 percent chose sourcing, just behind the 33 percent who chose photographing and listing items.

— Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of frustrating

Adjective

French President Emanuel Macron delivered a briefing to the candidates running to succeed him so disturbing that even the far-right National Rally’s leaders emerged denouncing Russian hybrid attacks.

— Ben Smith, semafor.com, 21 Sep. 2026
The 72-year-old Cuban widow filed for temporary custody shortly after the disturbing incident.

— Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of disturbing

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reawoke

rebarbative

rebate

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“Rebarbative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rebarbative. Accessed 30 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of rebarbative

adjective

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