aggravates

verb

Definition of aggravatesnext
present tense third-person singular of aggravate
1
as in annoys
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

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for aggravates
  1. deepens
  2. irritates
  3. exacerbates
  4. worsens
  5. intensifies
Verb
  • This mission creep not only dilutes Medicaid’s effectiveness but also deepens state dependency on federal dollars, threatening both fiscal responsibility and state sovereignty.
    Gary D. Alexander, National Review, 22 Dec. 2024
  • Participation in research not only deepens subject matter expertise but also builds transferable skills like critical thinking and data analysis.
    Dr. Aviva Legatt, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
Definition of deepens
Verb
  • There’s also a scene where Sylvie confronts Bob about never talking about his past, a subject that irritates him because of its irrelevance to his larger project.
    Rob Salkowitz, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
  • Chafing Chafing occurs when skin rubs against skin or clothing, causing friction that irritates the skin.
    Lindsay Curtis, Health, 27 Nov. 2024
Definition of irritates
Verb
  • An international context dominated by tariffs and decoupling only exacerbates these problems.
    Ariel Cohen, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
  • The lack of regulation around its use exacerbates these risks.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
Definition of exacerbates
Verb
  • During Bilbao’s Semana Grande, Jone lives her first love with Olga, as her father’s Parkinson’s illness worsens.
    John Hopewell, Variety, 23 Dec. 2024
  • Symptoms include severe pain below the ribs that worsens when laughing, twisting, coughing, or bending.
    Lindsay Curtis, Health, 22 Dec. 2024
Definition of worsens
Verb
  • Venus’ entrance to Pisces intensifies an emotional bond.
    USA TODAY, USA TODAY, 2 Jan. 2025
  • Today’s photo, with its olive green watercolour hues, intensifies the deeply vibrant purple flowers bursting open on this gorgeous pagoda shaped tower.
    New York Times Games, New York Times, 29 Dec. 2024
Definition of intensifies
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.

Thesaurus Entries Near aggravates

aggravated

aggravates

aggravating

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Cite this Entry

“Aggravates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aggravates. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on aggravates

Nglish: Translation of aggravates for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of aggravates for Arabic Speakers

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