1
as in frustrating
causing annoyance
her holier-than-thou attitude is galling
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in painful
hard to accept or bear especially emotionally
losing in the last round of play-offs was galling to our home team
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in eroding
to damage or diminish by continued friction
move that rope so the sharp edge of the hull doesn't gall it
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in annoying
to disturb the peace of mind of (someone) especially by repeated disagreeable acts
humming through your nose like that absolutely galls me
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in irritating
to make sore by continued rubbing
tie your shoes so they don't gall your heels sliding on and off like that
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of galling
James Folta, Literary Hub, 9 Feb. 2026
Bandwagon fandom truthers may find this especially galling.
—Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2026
Jon Coupal, Oc Register, 24 Nov. 2025
The case of the Renteria family was particularly galling for those trying to uphold Loving County’s residency requirements.
—Mitch Moxley, Rolling Stone, 27 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for galling
Adjective
But to have the hypocrisy be laid out so starkly, just a few clicks away on the same website, is particularly galling.
—James Folta, Literary Hub, 9 Feb. 2026
Bandwagon fandom truthers may find this especially galling.
—Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2026
Verb
Particularly galling to California taxpayers – who must balance the family budget in a state with a punishinglyhigh cost of living – is the fact that the deficits persist even with huge revenue increases.
—Jon Coupal, Oc Register, 24 Nov. 2025
The case of the Renteria family was particularly galling for those trying to uphold Loving County’s residency requirements.
—Mitch Moxley, Rolling Stone, 27 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for galling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for galling
Adjective
-
For longtime Stockton resident Montie Selmon, sideshows have become a familiar and frustrating part of life.—
Conor McGill,
CBS News,
3 May 2026
-
This was a snapshot of the 2026 Orioles — tantalizing upside, frustrating downside, and now even more pressure on an underwhelming rotation.—
Josh Tolentino,
Baltimore Sun,
1 May 2026
Adjective
-
All this may explain why the war doesn’t linger in British memory as a painful loss.—
Daniel Immerwahr,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
But Saturday’s loss will hurt for a while, with Messi delivering a message to the team following the painful result.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
3 May 2026
Verb
-
In the medium term, customers will use their own agents to shop rates and switch providers, eroding the inertia that has long protected incumbent relationships.—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld,
Fortune,
2 May 2026
-
Back when the general plan was created in 2004, there wasn’t even any mention of climate resilience — the effects of sea level rise and eroding beaches had not yet taken hold.—
Laylan Connelly,
Oc Register,
2 May 2026
Verb
-
Sometimes, rage bait can be relatively harmless – a recipe that contains disgusting food combinations or someone annoying their pet, partner or sibling.—
Issy Ronald,
CNN Money,
1 Dec. 2025
-
But what’s been annoying me even more is that these women should have been trained by producers to start recording on their own cell phones if drama starts to unfold after cameras go down.—
Tom Smyth,
Vulture,
12 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Strong gusts of wind disperse the pollen and mold, irritating lungs.—
Devika Rao,
TheWeek,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Joining Stuart’s quest are his girlfriend, Denise (Lapkus); geologist buddy Bert (Posehn); and irritating quantum physicist Barry Kripke (Bowie).—
Ryan Gajewski,
HollywoodReporter,
26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Chronister said content on Abugharbieh’s phone had been erased, but a forensic examination revealed disturbing searches in the days before Bristy and Limon went missing.—
Mike Schneider,
Sun Sentinel,
1 May 2026
-
The series is riveting and disturbing, culminating with Bateman’s arrest and eventual conviction.—
Maira Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2026
Adjective
-
The barren landscape, despite its harsh conditions (daytime temperatures often exceed 125 degrees Fahrenheit), was—and still is—famous for its connection to many legends of treasure.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
8 May 2026
-
Drivers may also experience smoother brake operation because the system avoids the harsh pedal pulsing commonly associated with older anti-lock braking systems.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
7 May 2026
Verb
-
Mira arrived with her friends, wearing the pink dress and a pair of Air Force 1s.—
Anna Wiener,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
Graham kept the rest of the styling pared down, wearing soft waves, hoop earrings and carrying a small metallic clutch.—
Maggie Clancy,
Footwear News,
3 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Galling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/galling. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
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