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
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 fall aggravated damage to his neck and back from an ATV accident 16 years before.
—
Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 22 July 2025
Working as a senior can strain you physically, raising the risk of injury and aggravating chronic conditions such as arthritis.
—Bob Brody, Fortune, 21 July 2025
Jail records show Denis, who is being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, is also facing fleeing and eluding and aggravated battery charges.
—Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 21 July 2025
Many new residents will likely aggravate current practices of illegally parking in front of fire hydrants, in handicapped zones, blocking alley entrances and corner tow zones that are essential for the passage of school buses and emergency vehicles.
—Steve Weinshel, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for aggravate
Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 22 July 2025
Working as a senior can strain you physically, raising the risk of injury and aggravating chronic conditions such as arthritis.
—Bob Brody, Fortune, 21 July 2025
Jail records show Denis, who is being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, is also facing fleeing and eluding and aggravated battery charges.
—Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 21 July 2025
Many new residents will likely aggravate current practices of illegally parking in front of fire hydrants, in handicapped zones, blocking alley entrances and corner tow zones that are essential for the passage of school buses and emergency vehicles.
—Steve Weinshel, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for aggravate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aggravate
Verb
-
That acquisition annoyed shareholders and customers alike, with investors taking issue with the fact that it was structured to avoid a vote.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
25 July 2025
-
Meanwhile, be patient with daily contacts, especially siblings and relatives who might annoy you.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
21 July 2025
Verb
-
This misinformation can also lead to insurance denials, distorted retirement planning, and worsened stigma.—
Jennifer Jay Palumbo,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
-
Most of the Corn Belt and Midwest remain drought-free, except for northern Illinois where conditions worsened, the agency said.—
Joe Edwards,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 July 2025
Verb
-
It was heard, and irritating, in all places at all times.—
Jody Mamone,
Hartford Courant,
25 July 2025
-
For Wiles and other top aides, winning in the midterms is crucial — more crucial than publicly flaming a lawmaker who has a history of irritating Trump.—
Burgess Everett,
semafor.com,
23 July 2025
Verb
-
Beyond product, the brand is committed to deepening its physical presence in key markets.—
Rhonda Richford,
Footwear News,
24 July 2025
-
Some want to deepen their work without managing others.—
Benjamin Laker,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
Verb
-
This means that some people might not bother using them.—
Ben Coxworth
July 26,
New Atlas,
26 July 2025
-
But one aspect of his robberies bothers him to this day.—
Faith Karimi,
CNN Money,
26 July 2025
Verb
-
But with wildfires now exacerbated by fossil fuel combustion, hotter weather, and poor forest management, experts say this blind spot is no longer defensible.—
Ken Silverstein,
Forbes.com,
3 Aug. 2025
-
As the Journal Sentinel reported in June, recent Canadian wildfire seasons have been exacerbated by climate change and warm spring temperatures.—
Andrew Montequin,
jsonline.com,
2 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
That question also bugs the folks at The Utility Reform Network.—
Teri Sforza,
Oc Register,
31 July 2025
-
Advertisement Advertisement Code of Silence (BritBox) In this UK drama, police tracking a criminal organization that meets in locations that can’t be bugged recruit a deaf canteen employee, Alison Brooks (Rose Ayling-Ellis), to read suspects’ lips in surveillance videos.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
30 July 2025
Verb
-
But in these recent times, Ford's leaders have intensified their examination of its Chinese rivals viewing them as the top competition to learn from — and beat.—
Jamie L. LaReau,
Freep.com,
1 Aug. 2025
-
But as the region shifted back to a dry pattern, fire behavior intensified.—
Hayleigh Evans,
AZCentral.com,
1 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Aggravate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aggravate. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share