maddening

adjective

mad·​den·​ing ˈmad-niŋ How to pronounce maddening (audio)
ˈma-dᵊn-iŋ
Synonyms of maddeningnext
1
: tending to disturb or drive mad
2
a
: tending to infuriate
b
: tending to vex : irritating
maddeningly
ˈmad-niŋ-lē How to pronounce maddening (audio)
ˈma-dᵊn-iŋ-
adverb

Synonyms of maddening

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Examples of maddening in a Sentence

He has a maddening habit of interrupting other people. She shows a maddening inability to control her children.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The way the Padres screw around this time of year is maddening. — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 June 2026 The maddening answer is that no one really knows. — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 29 May 2026 As someone with a smaller waist-to-hip ratio, finding jeans that fit well is maddening. — Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 23 June 2026 The Cubs are stuck in a maddening loop of offensive futility. — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for maddening

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1743, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of maddening was circa 1743

Rhymes for maddening

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Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

maddening

adjective
mad·​den·​ing
ˈmad-niŋ, 
-ᵊn-iŋ
: that irritates or angers
a maddening habit
maddeningly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on maddening

Nglish: Translation of maddening for Spanish Speakers

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