PEEVE Synonyms: 182 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'peeve' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of peeve are exasperate , irritate , nettle , provoke , and rile . While all these words mean "to excite a feeling of anger or annoyance," peeve suggests arousing fretful often petty or querulous irritation. // a toddler peeved at being refused a cookie

Q: In what contexts can 'exasperate' take the place of 'peeve'?

In some situations, the words exasperate and peeve are roughly equivalent. However, exasperate suggests galling annoyance and the arousing of extreme impatience. // his exasperating habit of putting off needed decisions

Q: When can 'irritate' be used instead of 'peeve'?

Although the words irritate and peeve have much in common, irritate implies an often gradual arousing of angry feelings that may range from mere impatience to rage. // constant nagging that irritated me greatly

Q: When might 'nettle' be a better fit than 'peeve'?

The words nettle and peeve can be used in similar contexts, but nettle suggests a sharp but passing annoyance or stinging. // your pompous attitude nettled several people

Q: When would 'provoke' be a good substitute for 'peeve'?

While the synonyms provoke and peeve are close in meaning, provoke implies an arousing of strong annoyance that may excite to action. // remarks made solely to provoke her

Q: When is it sensible to use 'rile' instead of 'peeve'?

The synonyms rile and peeve are sometimes interchangeable, but rile implies inducing an angry or resentful agitation. // the new work schedules riled the employees

peeve 1 of 2

noun

Definition of peeve next

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

as in offence

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

peeve

2 of 2

verb

ˈpēv

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

Synonym Chooser

How is the word peeve different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of peeve are exasperate, irritate, nettle, provoke, and rile. While all these words mean "to excite a feeling of anger or annoyance," peeve suggests arousing fretful often petty or querulous irritation.

a toddler peeved at being refused a cookie

In what contexts can exasperate take the place of peeve?

In some situations, the words exasperate and peeve are roughly equivalent. However, exasperate suggests galling annoyance and the arousing of extreme impatience.

his exasperating habit of putting off needed decisions

When can irritate be used instead of peeve?

Although the words irritate and peeve have much in common, irritate implies an often gradual arousing of angry feelings that may range from mere impatience to rage.

constant nagging that irritated me greatly

When might nettle be a better fit than peeve?

The words nettle and peeve can be used in similar contexts, but nettle suggests a sharp but passing annoyance or stinging.

your pompous attitude nettled several people

When would provoke be a good substitute for peeve?

While the synonyms provoke and peeve are close in meaning, provoke implies an arousing of strong annoyance that may excite to action.

remarks made solely to provoke her

When is it sensible to use rile instead of peeve?

The synonyms rile and peeve are sometimes interchangeable, but rile implies inducing an angry or resentful agitation.

the new work schedules riled the employees

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 peeve

Noun

That said, this seems like more of a personal peeve than a professional problem, which is fine. —

Roxane Gay, New York Times, 9 Dec. 2023 Yes,Gran Turismo does stupid movie things like, my personal peeve, constantly have the drivers glare at each other through the side window. —

Elana Scherr, Car and Driver, 11 Aug. 2023

Verb

Prior to publication of the op-ed, Berman had predicted in a conversation with Fortune that his former boss would be peeved by that timing. —

Samuel Burke, Fortune, 29 Oct. 2024 Trump’s comment about Haley’s husband peeved Randhawa, an Army veteran who posted a string of X posts and reshares over the weekend blasting his sister’s opponent. —

Francesca Chambers, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for peeve

Recent Examples of Synonyms for peeve

Noun

Severe infections may include aches, headaches, elevated fever, lethargy, rashes, and blood in the urine or stool.

— Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY, 4 Feb. 2025
Side effects reported with valerian include headache, dizziness, skin rash, and nausea.

— Kirstyn Hill, PharmD, MPH, Health, 3 Feb. 2025