EXASPERATION Synonyms: 82 Similar and Opposite Words

exasperation

noun

ig-ˌza-spə-ˈrā-shən

Definition of exasperation

as in headache

something that is a source of irritation add people who use cell phones inconsiderately to the list of daily exasperations

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in frustration

the feeling of impatience or anger caused by another's repeated disagreeable acts my rising exasperation with these constant interruptions

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 exasperation The tweet ended with an emoji of a man facepalming, conveying Johnson’s exasperation over the last play of Washington’s 27-27 tie with the New York Giants. — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026 But through a bit of TV fame, and Ramsay’s signature yelling, ranting, exasperation and, in the end, brotherly wisdom, perhaps its restaurant dreams can come true. — Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 1 Oct. 2026 In a room full of fascists and fools, Ahmed’s projection of competence—and of the spluttering exasperation that is the lot of the competent—proves a genuine balm. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2026 Still, the suggestion that fashion removes sheep wool from its supply chain drew a breath of exasperation from some fashion insiders, and confusion from others. — Bella Webb, Vogue, 16 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exasperation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for exasperation

Noun

Those headaches create headwinds, but the underlying story provides support.

— Michael Khouw, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026
Residents have reported symptoms including burning in the eyes, lungs and sinuses, bad headaches and nausea.

— Lana Zak, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of headache

Noun

Burks said much of the frustration is connected to top leaders who provide insufficient training.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
Clinton's lack of a majority and list of frustrations in his first term set the stage for a bruising first midterm election in 1994.

— Ron Elving, NPR, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of frustration

Noun

The Serbian leader had long been seen as an unpredictable annoyance, and his balancing act wasn’t particularly subtle.

— Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 27 Oct. 2026
This, Barbera said, can be a programming annoyance as well as a knock on an otherwise good film.

— Jake Coyle, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of annoyance

Noun

High levels of exposure can cause skin, eye and throat irritation, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026
This formula pairs the retinoid with firming collagen peptides and niacinamide to offset potential irritation and improve elasticity.

— Madison San Miguel, Allure, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of irritation

Noun

Their similarities end there with Divya becoming a thorn in Isla’s plans all season.

— Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 19 Oct. 2026
In the initial draft that didn't make it into the final episode, Greg touched on how STAGFLATION was a central thorn in the side of this concept.

— Cooper Katz McKim, NPR, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of thorn

Noun

Although the town remains staunchly conservative, there are rumblings of displeasure with Netanyahu’s handling of the latest war against the militant group Hezbollah, and that could bode poorly for him in Israel’s election Tuesday.

— Melanie Lidman, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
In Week 4, Vrabel was flagged after expressing his displeasure with an official's call.

— Ryan Canfield OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of displeasure

Noun

There are so many organizations working to protect the voting process -- including many that cannot legally coordinate with each other -- that some officials involved worry about unintentionally creating chaos outside polling locations.

— STEVE PEOPLES, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026
Those talks collapsed over price and worries about antitrust pushback, neither of which hold true today.

— Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of worry

Browse Nearby Words

exasperating

exasperation

exasperations

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Exasperation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exasperation. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of exasperation

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

grotesque

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes