AGGRAVATING Synonyms: 157 Similar and Opposite Words

aggravating 1 of 2

adjective

ˈa-grə-ˌvā-tiŋ

Definition of aggravating next

as in annoying

causing annoyance there's nothing so aggravating as a blaring car alarm that no one is paying any attention to

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

aggravating

2 of 2

verb

present participle of aggravate

as in irritating

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in worsening

to make more severe overheated rhetoric that only aggravated an already tense situation

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 aggravating

Adjective

Of course, that doesn’t mean the company — which is currently under intense financial pressure, probably explaining the whole exasperating situation in the first place — won’t just institute an even more aggravating popup that breaks the site for all users. —

Jon Christian, Futurism, 30 Apr. 2026 Demineralization filters Most humidifiers today are filterless, as many consumers find the necessity of changing one aggravating. —

Bestreviews, Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2026

Verb

There might be more than one bench spot to be won on the opening-day roster, as infielder Sung-Mun Song has not swung a bat since aggravating a right oblique strain on Sunday. —

Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026 Rory McIlroy withdrew from last week’s Arnold Palmer Invitational before the third round after aggravating his back during a pre-round workout. —

Justin Ray, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for aggravating

Recent Examples of Synonyms for aggravating

Adjective

Sixty-three percent of Glamour readers polled think lurking is annoying and also kind of creepy.

— Sam Reed, Glamour, 18 May 2026
For instance, many partners have small gripes or annoyances with habits that are annoying at worst, but far from an outright red flag — like a partner that chews somewhat loudly, leaves cabinet doors open or hums constantly while working.

— Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026