aggravating 1 of 2

Definition of aggravatingnext

aggravating

2 of 2

verb

present participle of aggravate
1
2
as in worsening
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 aggravating
Adjective
The switcheroo that the director pulls between the two protagonists, starting her film with Said but then losing him for a chunk of the running time, can also prove a bit aggravating, especially because actor Letifov (who was also in Western) has such a photogenic face. Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 23 May 2026 The onset of mating season this spring has escalated tensions, with the males’ loud early morning mating calls particularly aggravating residents. Amarachi Orie, CNN Money, 14 May 2026
Verb
That is aggravating Americas' frustrations with the president's economic performance, and likely will weigh on his fellow Republicans' performance in November's midterm elections. Matt Peterson, CNBC, 30 May 2026 Makar hasn’t played since aggravating an apparent upper-body injury in Game 5 of Colorado’s second-round series against the Minnesota Wild. Jesse Granger, New York Times, 24 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for aggravating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aggravating
Adjective
  • That particularly could be annoying to Uruguay supporters, given Messi’s stature in the sport overall and in particular with defending champion Argentina, La Celeste’s biggest rival.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 16 June 2026
  • It’s widely considered rude and annoying when people cluster by the train doors if there are more people on the platform attempting to get on.
    Claudia Fisher, Travel + Leisure, 15 June 2026
Verb
  • This behavior isn’t just irritating or upsetting.
    Olga Khazan, The Atlantic, 15 June 2026
  • How to avoid chiggers Aside from the potential risk of anaphylactic allergy and severe illness, chiggers are, well, irritating.
    Eva Flowe June 11, Charlotte Observer, 11 June 2026
Verb
  • This affordability crisis disproportionately impacts Black women, with 90% reporting worsening economic conditions and incomes not keeping pace.
    Aisha Nyandoro, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
  • Lower inventory leads to fewer sales, worsening their standing with automakers.
    Byron Hurd, The Drive, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • Norwegian Epic is awkward, distinctive and sometimes frustrating.
    David Nikel, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026
  • The cancellation was frustrating enough, but this comes across as incredibly dismissive of the fans who support your career.
    Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 14 June 2026
Verb
  • Instead, the reviews were largely muted, with analysts not bothering to adjust their revenue estimates for 2027 or 2028, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 17 June 2026
  • That appears to be bothering people, as the broadcast noted some pointed conversations among the Spanish team during the hydration break.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 16 June 2026
Verb
  • Inside Ecole National Republique de Colombie in the Turgeau neighborhood where 1,246 individuals live in squalor, residents uprooted by gangs described lives defined by deepening hunger and increasingly inhumane conditions.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 17 June 2026
  • Alo, the fashion and wellness brand best known for its athleisure, is deepening its beauty offering with two introductions.
    Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 16 June 2026
Adjective
  • There’s another, more disturbing chapter in the book about Jack Webb, the star of Dragnet.
    Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 13 June 2026
  • Chestnut said the most disturbing part is that scammers were trying to take advantage of families in a vulnerable moment.
    Tori Mason, CBS News, 12 June 2026
Verb
  • The necessity of the trip at all is what's been bugging me.
    Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 12 June 2026
  • His doctor had been bugging him for years to get a colonoscopy because of his age, but Driggers declined.
    The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Aggravating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aggravating. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.

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