EXASPERATE Synonyms: 100 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'exasperate' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of exasperate are irritate , nettle , peeve , provoke , and rile . While all these words mean "to excite a feeling of anger or annoyance," exasperate suggests galling annoyance and the arousing of extreme impatience. // his exasperating habit of putting off needed decisions

Q: When might 'irritate' be a better fit than 'exasperate'?

While in some cases nearly identical to exasperate , irritate implies an often gradual arousing of angry feelings that may range from mere impatience to rage. // constant nagging that irritated me greatly

Q: When can 'nettle' be used instead of 'exasperate'?

In some situations, the words nettle and exasperate are roughly equivalent. However, nettle suggests a sharp but passing annoyance or stinging. // your pompous attitude nettled several people

Q: When is it sensible to use 'peeve' instead of 'exasperate'?

The meanings of peeve and exasperate largely overlap; however, peeve suggests arousing fretful often petty or querulous irritation. // a toddler peeved at being refused a cookie

Q: In what contexts can 'provoke' take the place of 'exasperate'?

Although the words provoke and exasperate have much in common, provoke implies an arousing of strong annoyance that may excite to action. // remarks made solely to provoke her

Q: When is 'rile' a more appropriate choice than 'exasperate'?

The words rile and exasperate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rile implies inducing an angry or resentful agitation. // the new work schedules riled the employees

exasperate

verb

ig-ˈza-spə-ˌrāt

Definition of exasperate next

as in to annoy

to disturb the peace of mind of (someone) especially by repeated disagreeable acts small children can exasperate their parents with endless questions about why this or that is so

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word exasperate different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of exasperate are irritate, nettle, peeve, provoke, and rile. While all these words mean "to excite a feeling of anger or annoyance," exasperate suggests galling annoyance and the arousing of extreme impatience.

his exasperating habit of putting off needed decisions

When might irritate be a better fit than exasperate?

While in some cases nearly identical to exasperate, irritate implies an often gradual arousing of angry feelings that may range from mere impatience to rage.

constant nagging that irritated me greatly

When can nettle be used instead of exasperate?

In some situations, the words nettle and exasperate are roughly equivalent. However, nettle suggests a sharp but passing annoyance or stinging.

your pompous attitude nettled several people

When is it sensible to use peeve instead of exasperate?

The meanings of peeve and exasperate largely overlap; however, peeve suggests arousing fretful often petty or querulous irritation.

a toddler peeved at being refused a cookie

In what contexts can provoke take the place of exasperate?

Although the words provoke and exasperate have much in common, provoke implies an arousing of strong annoyance that may excite to action.

remarks made solely to provoke her

When is rile a more appropriate choice than exasperate?

The words rile and exasperate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rile implies inducing an angry or resentful agitation.

the new work schedules riled the employees

Examples 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 exasperate For many Romans, already priced out of the center and exasperated with the hordes of tourists stalking flashy new limoncello and tiramisu stores, the imminent Jubilee seems a last blow to a city many struggle to recognize. —

Elisabetta Povoledo, New York Times, 24 Dec. 2024 Toya, however, remains planted at the table, visibly exasperated by the drama. —

Shelby Stewart, Essence, 23 Dec. 2024 After all, team president Jonathan Kraft was visibly exasperated over Van Pelt’s play-calling during the Pats’ loss at Arizona a week earlier. —

Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 22 Dec. 2024 The consistent issues with joining and losing players mid-game exasperate the problems, which in turn cause more people to abandon their matches. —

Echo Apsey, Rolling Stone, 20 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for exasperate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for exasperate

Verb

Patrice O’Neal did a wonderful job of being annoyed.

— Mikey O'Connell, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Jan. 2025
Together the besties are annoyed by the mundanity of their jobs, from fielding ridiculous customer complaints to suffering the indignity of having their service summoned by a bell on a pop-up flag installed on the tables.

— Courtney Howard, Variety, 16 Jan. 2025