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 In keeping with its tendency to defer to leftwing activists at the risk of aggravating the broader public, the Biden administration did away with Trump’s executive orders governing water flow rates. The Editors, National Review, 11 Apr. 2025 She was charged with manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, assault, reckless driving, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, failure to yield to a red light and speeding, cops said. Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 1 Apr. 2025 Second baseman Gleyber Torres rested his sore ribs on Saturday after aggravating the area with a home-run swing the previous day. Joe Guillen, Axios, 1 Apr. 2025 She was later arrested, charged with murder, torture, child endangerment and aggravated mayhem, and ordered to be held without bail. Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 30 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for aggravate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aggravate
Verb
  • Seiders, 44, is charged with felony child pornography possession, misdemeanor annoying a child under 18, concealing a camera with intent to invade privacy and attempting to conceal a camera.
    Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2025
  • What annoyed me was good old-fashioned stupid gameplay.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The administration’s threat of tariffs on pharmaceuticals risks political backlash, worsening drug shortages and future battles over who pays.
    Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Some evidence suggests that creatine may worsen mania symptoms in people with bipolar disorder.
    Jillian Kubala, Health, 21 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The second walk irritated the pitcher, as home plate umpire Bruce Dreckman’s ball four call on a 3-2 count appeared incorrect.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 7 Apr. 2025
  • If not properly diluted, vinegar's acidity can irritate your throat or erode tooth enamel over time.
    Johna Burdeos, Health, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Research from psychologists Robert Emmons and Philip Watkins shows that gratitude, especially in moments of hardship, strengthens our emotional well-being and deepens our connections.
    Colin Bedell, Them., 18 Apr. 2025
  • The intricate tensions of their relationships are deepened by evocations of the past—including their forebears’ tragic resistance to enslavement—and of enduring African traditions.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Scarlett Johansson's Black Widow was popular enough that fans wanted a solo story, but the studio didn't bother to make it until her character was already dead in the major timeline, then skipped the theatrical release, which Johansson sued them about.
    Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The Mavericks defeated the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night in Sacramento, 120-106; the Mavs led by more than 20 points in the first half, and the Kings never bothered to muster much of a run to make this interesting.
    Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Cinque Terre in Italy Learn More CNN reported at the time that the footwear rule came into play after the local mountain rescue crews became exacerbated by having to rescue so many people tripping over their own feet.
    Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 16 Apr. 2025
  • With interest rates remaining elevated, carrying a credit card balance has become even more costly, exacerbating financial hardship.
    Einat Steklov, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Aaron Boone said Bellinger’s back started bugging him during Thursday’s game against the Diamondbacks.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Ralph Macchio on the one thing that still bugs him about Karate Kid Part II My Cousin Vinny tells the story of three bombastic Italian-Americans caught up in an over-the-top legal drama.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 24 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Patterson’s departure likely will intensify UM’s efforts to find a starting caliber safety in the portal.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 15 Apr. 2025
  • In this context of uncertainty, competition intensifies on entry and middle market watches.
    Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 14 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Aggravate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aggravate. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on aggravate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!