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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to infuriate
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 madden
His biggest gripe was the Blue Jackets’ maddening habit of blowing third-period leads.
—
Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026
The chase of greatness can be maddening.
—Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for madden
Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026
The chase of greatness can be maddening.
—Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for madden
Recent Examples of Synonyms for madden
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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No one exemplifies that, and infuriates Twins fans more, than Ortiz.—
Brian Hall,
Twin Cities,
5 Feb. 2026
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Seeing Sparkle cry about Landfair’s experience — something that Landfair hadn’t fully come to terms with — was discombobulating and infuriating.—
Cheyenne Roundtree,
Rolling Stone,
31 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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However, Albanese’s decision to invite Herzog – the head of state of a country accused of genocide in Gaza, a claim Israel’s government denies – has angered many Australians and even led to calls for the visitor’s arrest.—
Hilary Whiteman,
CNN Money,
8 Feb. 2026
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What’s more, all that accomplishes is annoying and angering the driver who is being tailgated.—
Ticked Off,
The Orlando Sentinel,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
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With their special technology, the cameras can take high-quality videos of animals at night without disturbing them.—
Charles Seabrook,
AJC.com,
7 Feb. 2026
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That the president remains fixated on this conspiracy theory, rather than tending to his job as the leader of the most powerful institution on the planet, should disturb anyone who wants America to remain a free and prosperous nation.—
The Editorial Board,
Oc Register,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Hulu This startling three-part docuseries tells the unfortunate, enraging story of Larry Ray.—
Declan Gallagher,
Entertainment Weekly,
31 Jan. 2026
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This is exactly the kind of mainstream Christian view that enrages Allie Beth Stuckey.—
Hillary Rodham Clinton,
The Atlantic,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The California Department of Public Health is urging people to avoid mushroom foraging altogether this year because death cap mushrooms are easily confused with safe, edible varieties.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
8 Feb. 2026
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Germany's exact medal count is a point of contention because Germany has not always competed in each Olympics as a unified country, which can lead to confusing medal counts.—
Aliza Chasan,
CBS News,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Betts gazed back with angst, momentarily annoyed with her coach.—
Aaron Heisen,
Daily News,
7 Feb. 2026
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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
Cite this Entry
“Madden.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/madden. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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