aggravate

verb

ˈa-grə-ˌvāt How to pronounce aggravate (audio)
Definition of aggravatenext
1
as in to annoy
to disturb the peace of mind of (someone) especially by repeated disagreeable acts it really aggravates me when I arrive 10 minutes before the stated closing time, and the store's closed already

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to worsen
to make more severe overheated rhetoric that only aggravated an already tense situation

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 aggravate The fans who decide to follow their country to a glorious or bitter end, irrespective of the cost or the risk of aggravating employers? — Phil Hay, New York Times, 26 June 2026 On direct appeal, the Florida Supreme Court vacated the death sentence and remanded the case for reconsideration over the trial court's handling of aggravating and mitigating factors in the case. — Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 24 June 2026 Chicago police said Lance Cunningham, 24, is facing felony charges, including multiple counts of reckless homicide and aggravated DUI. — Elyssa Kaufman, CBS News, 30 June 2026 In August 2023, Shirilla was convicted of murder, felonious assault, aggravated vehicular homicide, drug possession, and criminal tools possession (psilocybin mushrooms and a scale were found at the crime scene). — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for aggravate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aggravate
  1. annoy
  2. worsen
  3. irritate
  4. deepen
  5. bother
  6. exacerbate
  7. bug
  8. intensify
Verb
  • Paraguay’s tactics, seeking to frustrate and disrupt France, had annoyed Henry as well as the current team and coach.
    — Stuart James, New York Times, 5 July 2026
  • Others are annoyed that its ambiguous language will create confusion over how — or if — the state will enforce compliance.
    — Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 27 June 2026
Definition of annoy
Verb
  • The uninterrupted sun dries out soil increasing drought risk, and light winds allow pollutants to build up, worsening air quality, particularly in urban areas.
    — Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • People in the area are advised to remain ready to leave again if conditions worsen.
    — Cecilio Padilla, CBS News, 30 June 2026
Definition of worsen
Verb
  • Avoid potentially irritating actives Immediately after shaving is not the time to reach for your strongest skin-care products.
    — Emma-Jade Stoddart, Glamour, 5 July 2026
  • While some of my linen pieces feel scratchy, this one is ultra soft and doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin.
    — Shea Simmons, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026
Definition of irritate
Verb
  • Recent allegations of irregularities in government recruitment exams have only deepened frustrations among some young Indians.
    — Ayushi Shah, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
  • South Korean officials and experts say the vessel was likely built with Russian assistance amid deepening military ties between the countries, but some analysts have questioned how effective the vessel would be in active service.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 July 2026
Definition of deepen
Verb
  • Playing against such younger competition doesn’t bother Crawford.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 6 July 2026
  • Install Fencing If all deterrents fail and snakes continue to bother you, consider installing a 2- to 3-foot fence around your property.
    — Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 6 July 2026
Definition of bother
Verb
  • The heat wave comes as scientists warn that climate change is exacerbating the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.
    — Sam Meredith, CNBC, 3 July 2026
  • The budget shortfall has been exacerbated by a decline in births and a reduction of immigration, resulting in fewer taxpayers at the same time that many Baby Boomers have begun receiving benefits.
    — Max Zahn, ABC News, 2 July 2026
Definition of exacerbate
Verb
  • What really bugs me about this moment, and about the battle and its aftermath, is the lack of feeling.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
  • The necessity of the trip at all is what's been bugging me.
    — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 12 June 2026
Definition of bug
Verb
  • Lane closures remained in effect, snarling traffic for several miles as rush hour intensified.
    — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
  • Brown was the subject of rampant trade rumors in recent weeks, with those intensifying after the Celtics’ attempt to flip him for Giannis Antetokounmpo failed.
    — Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 6 July 2026
Definition of intensify

Browse Nearby Words

aggrandizing
aggravate
aggravated
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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on aggravate

Nglish: Translation of aggravate for Spanish Speakers

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