1
as in headache
something that is a source of irritation
my main peeve with the animal welfare organization is the endless stream of unsolicited trinkets in my mailbox
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in resentment
the feeling of being offended or resentful after a slight or indignity
he holds on to a peeve until the offending person apologizes
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to annoy
to disturb the peace of mind of (someone) especially by repeated disagreeable acts
she is constantly peeved by his habit of humming show tunes while she is trying to focus on her work
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of peeve
Laurie Whitwell,
New York Times,
14 Aug. 2025
The recent columns about viewers’ TV peeves have generated a lot of mail, including this letter.
—
Rich Heldenfels,
Boston Herald,
22 Feb. 2025
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
14 Apr. 2026
Warren is particularly peeved with all that polite nibbling.
—
Boston Herald Editorial Staff,
Boston Herald,
13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for peeve
Noun
United’s co-owner being on site led to a sweep of the open-plan offices to ensure no untidiness, especially that desks were clear of empty cups, believed to be a particular Ratcliffe peeve.
—
Laurie Whitwell,
New York Times,
14 Aug. 2025
The recent columns about viewers’ TV peeves have generated a lot of mail, including this letter.
—
Rich Heldenfels,
Boston Herald,
22 Feb. 2025
Verb
The guests are peeved that Tyler would have snuck a makeup artist onboard, since everyone was supposed to do their own makeup.
—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
14 Apr. 2026
Warren is particularly peeved with all that polite nibbling.
—
Boston Herald Editorial Staff,
Boston Herald,
13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for peeve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for peeve
Noun
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Intense exercise on a sizzling day can lead to extreme fatigue, impaired performance, headache, irritability, nausea, dizziness, cramping and dehydration, all symptoms of exertional heat illness.
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Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome causes fatigue, fever, muscle aches, abdominal problems, headaches, chills and dizziness in the early stages, and late symptoms include chest tightness, coughing, shortness of breath and lungs filling with fluid.
Noun
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Devers walked back to the dugout in a huff.
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David walks out of the kitchen and Moira huffs and takes his spot over the pot.
Verb
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Paraguay’s tactics, seeking to frustrate and disrupt France, had annoyed Henry as well as the current team and coach.
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Others are annoyed that its ambiguous language will create confusion over how — or if — the state will enforce compliance.
Noun
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And to add insult to social and cultural injury, the new policies also present a logistical nuisance.
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In New York, night clubs were sometimes regarded as a civic nuisance; one obstacle was the city’s cabaret law, from 1926, which required bars to obtain a special permit if patrons were dancing and was not fully repealed until 2017.
Noun
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Winters prioritized strategic logic over acknowledging the profound emotional impact on his workforce, fostering fear and anger.
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Thousands of demonstrators massed across South African cities, venting anger at undocumented foreign nationals.
Verb
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What really bugs me about this moment, and about the battle and its aftermath, is the lack of feeling.
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The necessity of the trip at all is what's been bugging me.
Noun
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Yamal was a thorn in Saudi Arabia’s side, drifting infield to unleash shots from distance but also peppering the penalty area with wicked deliveries from the right flank.
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An individual bush can grow up to 15 feet high and 40 feet long, with thick stems, also known as canes, marked by sharp, hooked thorns.
Noun
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This would let traffic flow, which is so necessary for the vitality and economy of Chicago; provide a safer route for bikers; and ease the frustration of all of those on the streets of Chicago.
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Spence also appears to be absorbing the blame for broader failures, with Thomas Tuchel’s touchline frustrations obvious and — for a player still establishing himself at this level — that scrutiny is unlikely to help.
Cite this Entry
“Peeve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/peeve. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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