MADDENING Synonyms: 125 Similar and Opposite Words

maddening 1 of 2

adjective

ˈmad-niŋ

Definition of maddening

as in frustrating

causing annoyance after a few days, she found the monotonous work to be absolutely maddening

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

maddening

2 of 2

verb

present participle of madden

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

as in infuriating

to make angry her perpetual tardiness maddened her friends to no end

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 maddening

Adjective

One of Miami’s most maddening crossroads has become easier to navigate. — Amaia Gavica, Miami Herald, 3 June 2026 That’s why some of their aimless enthusiasm around generative AI can feel so paradoxical and maddening. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 31 May 2026

Verb

The realization that there is a punishment for women who align themselves with men, as well as for those who don’t, is rightfully maddening. — Literary Hub, 20 May 2026 Cleveland’s inconsistency this season has been maddening, but Sunday night in Game 7, the Cavs showed their true threat level. — Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 18 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for maddening

Recent Examples of Synonyms for maddening

Adjective

Two months after another frustrating playoff finish, the 76ers now look ahead with a reasonable expectation to be among the conference favorites next season.

— Tim Casey, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Residents said the latest delay is especially frustrating because the pool also remained closed for much of last summer after a water line ruptured while it was being filled.

— Hannah Kliger, CBS News, 2 July 2026

Definition of frustrating

Verb

The appeal is largely practical, since powders travel well in a bag, don’t leave hands greasy and can be dusted on without disturbing whatever’s already on your skin.

— Lauren Jarvis-Gibson July 1, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2026
The cream bronzer blends effortlessly underneath without disturbing the layers.

— Corein Carter, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Definition of disturbing

Verb

The result can be a more consistent connection, fewer interruptions and less of that infuriating mid-episode quality drop.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026
Adding secondary maturations into the bourbon lineup is likely going to divide longtime Four Roses fans, delighting some and infuriating others.

— Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 23 June 2026

Definition of infuriating

Adjective

This is a realm of exposition-heavy opening credits, relentlessly earwormy theme tunes, and heroes who, for no obvious reason, choose to hang out with cute/annoying [delete as appropriate] comedy sidekicks like Orko and Snarf.

— Richard Edwards, Space.com, 5 July 2026
This would have evoked annoying memories of the 0-0 draw against Morocco in 2022 and 1-1 draw with Russia in 2018 for Spain.

— Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 5 July 2026

Definition of annoying

Verb

Israel for years avoided officially recognizing the violence as genocide out fear of angering Turkey, but that relationship has soured over the past two decades, especially as the most recent wars in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran have dragged on.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
For years, Israel never officially broached the subject for fear of angering Turkey, but that relationship has soured over the past two decades, especially as the most recent wars in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran have dragged on.

— ABC News, ABC News, 28 June 2026

Definition of angering

Adjective

Few workplace behaviors are as small, common and irritating as the message that goes unanswered.

— Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Greenberg tried his best to ignore an irritating ankle injury that had plagued him the last couple of weeks and grimaced under the hazy sunlight as the pitcher, probably 20 or more years his junior, stared him down.

— Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026

Definition of irritating

Verb

Driving into the estate down a dirt track, you’re met with concrete walls that frame the space with gallery-like precision, directing your eyes toward geological features rather than distracting from them.

— Lara Johnson-Wheeler, Vogue, 3 July 2026
There was some online angst over whether Swift was distracting from football — while the NFL itself capitalized on her fandom.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026

Definition of distracting

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“Maddening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maddening. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of maddening

adjective

verb

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