Synonym Chooser

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

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 exasperate Clarke was exasperated and more than a little unnerved. James Hibberd, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Mar. 2025 Henry and Moura are usually yelling at each other, but the former is so good at being simultaneously exasperated and concerned, and the latter so skillful at veering between freneticism and compassion, that their antagonism always comes off as a form of love. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2025 Susan Sullivan adds a jolt of energy and a bit of comedy as Erin’s mother, who tries to help in the most well-intentioned, wrong-headed, exasperating way. Caryn James, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Mar. 2025 The seed oil discussion has exasperated nutrition scientists, who say decades of research confirms the health benefits of consuming such oils, especially in place of alternatives such as butter or lard. Jonel Aleccia, Chicago Tribune, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for exasperate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exasperate
Verb
  • Waltz now has a bunch of top officials, and their teams, who are annoyed at him for drawing bad publicity.
    Marc Caputo, Axios, 25 Mar. 2025
  • However, standing in the middle of a road to capture the Eiffel Tower in the background is not only unsafe but can also annoy locals.
    Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes, 16 Mar. 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
  • Chicago Bears - Will Campbell, OL, LSU Will Campbell has fallen a bit due to his shorter arm length, but that likely won't bother Ben Johnson.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Because Congress never bothered to write a law to establish it.
    Jay Cost, The Washington Examiner, 28 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Sold to the public as increasing transparency, the legislation has been utilized to persecute Georgia’s opposition and arrest dissidents with impunity.
    Anastasiya Zavyalova, The Conversation, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Again, none of these Beautiful People ever thought of assisting Americans who were being persecuted by the Deep State these last few years before Jan. 20.
    Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Extended exposure to pollutants like ozone or fine particulate matter can lead to coughing, throat irritation and shortness of breath, and may aggravate conditions like asthma and bronchitis.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Breathing danger: Health risks from ash Breathing volcanic ash can irritate the throat and lungs, trigger asthma attacks and aggravate chronic respiratory conditions such as COPD.
    David Kitchen, The Conversation, 15 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

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Cite this Entry

“Exasperate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exasperate. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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