1
as in to annoy
to disturb the peace of mind of (someone) especially by repeated disagreeable acts
it really aggravates me when I arrive 10 minutes before the stated closing time, and the store's closed already
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Recent Examples of aggravate
Daniel Gafford had 10 points and 12 rebounds for the Mavericks despite aggravating a right ankle injury that has sidelined him for 16 games this season.
—
CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026
Buer pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, aggravated elderly abuse and tampering with physical evidence in connection with the murder.
—Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 3 Feb. 2026
After attempting to play through the discomfort, the Nets elected to hold him out to allow the calf to heal fully rather than risk aggravating the injury.
—C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 3 Feb. 2026
Don't aggravate yourself further by checking its status every hour.
—John Tufts, IndyStar, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for aggravate
CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026
Buer pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, aggravated elderly abuse and tampering with physical evidence in connection with the murder.
—Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 3 Feb. 2026
After attempting to play through the discomfort, the Nets elected to hold him out to allow the calf to heal fully rather than risk aggravating the injury.
—C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 3 Feb. 2026
Don't aggravate yourself further by checking its status every hour.
—John Tufts, IndyStar, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for aggravate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aggravate
Verb
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Betts gazed back with angst, momentarily annoyed with her coach.—
Aaron Heisen,
Daily News,
7 Feb. 2026
-
The spa There are two swimming pools, one for families (meaning no stress for parents who worry that their children will annoy other guests, and lots of fun for the kids) and one just for adults.—
Maddalena Fossati,
Condé Nast Traveler,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The hospital cleared him for incarceration with a Narcan prescription and instructions to return to the emergency room if symptoms worsened, the lawsuit alleged.—
Theresa Clift,
Sacbee.com,
10 Feb. 2026
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While mandatory restrictions are not expected, Frost said the utility encourages everyday conservation and would coordinate closely with other utilities along the river if drought conditions worsen.—
Nora O'Neill,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Both add flavor and hydration with minimal calories, but their acidity can irritate acid reflux and tooth enamel.—
Heather Jones,
Verywell Health,
6 Feb. 2026
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Undiluted bleach can leave behind a residue that is toxic to birds and may irritate their eyes and skin.—
Madeline Buiano,
Martha Stewart,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Cuba’s energy crisis has deepened and daily blackouts sometimes last more than 24 hours at a time on some parts of the island.—
Nora Gamez Torres,
Miami Herald,
14 Feb. 2026
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These experiences deepen understanding, challenge assumptions, and help students connect Connecticut’s past and present in a more meaningful way.—
Letters to the Editor,
Hartford Courant,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Andrew Musgrave crossed the finish line in cross-country skiing today in a tank top, and the cold didn’t seem to bother him one bit.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
13 Feb. 2026
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My damp clothes didn’t bother either one of us.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The development comes as the US attempts to cut its long-time communist foe Havana off from receiving oil deliveries from its regional neighbors, a move that has exacerbated a long-standing fuel crisis on the Caribbean island.—
Michael Rios,
CNN Money,
10 Feb. 2026
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The status quo isn’t working for artists or students, and the city’s inaction is exacerbating the arts access gap while hurting the New Yorkers who need public arts access most.—
Kimberly Olsen,
New York Daily News,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Instead, Ladinig says Pierre Haobsh bugged Henry Han's computer with a spyware app called a keylogger.—
Natalie Morales,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
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Harry, along with Elton John, Elizabeth Hurley, Sadie Frost and others, alleges the publisher hired private investigators to bug their cars, obtain personal records and eavesdrop on calls.—
Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa,
FOXNews.com,
20 Jan. 2026
Verb
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French wine and spirits exports have slipped from being traditionally France’s second-largest export sector to third, behind aerospace and cosmetics, as trade tensions intensified.—
Reuters 9 hr ago,
CNN Money,
11 Feb. 2026
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This causes the outer layers of the star to expand and cool, evolving into a red giant, while the interior of the core heats up, intensifying the rate of fusion within it.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
11 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Aggravate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aggravate. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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