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 Some fans were exasperated by the removal of Tonali around the hour mark for Newcastle. —

Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 24 Nov. 2024 Here, the taut skin seemed to stretch and sweat, almost glowing, as if exasperated of their own grip. —

Jem Aswad, Variety, 1 Nov. 2024 The pranks Charlie plays, which mortify her sister and exasperate their parents (Rosie Cavaliero and Andy Nyman), include some of the film’s punchiest set pieces and most humorous one-liners, helping maintain its overall comedic tone. —

Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Oct. 2024 But as visitors flock to the capital in larger numbers — almost nine million in 2023 — some residents are growing exasperated with the effects of mass tourism. —

Amanda Gerut, Fortune Europe, 26 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for exasperate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for exasperate

Verb

You’re annoyed by it all, until the next horde of patrons do the same.

Cheri Lucas Rowlands, Longreads, 10 Dec. 2024
Claire’s dopey jock boyfriend Simon (Charlie Hall) generally annoys her with his requests for sexts and movie nights.

Courtney Howard, Variety, 6 Dec. 2024