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

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 Six mutters and sighs and rolls his head as if profoundly exasperated. —

Literary Hub, 21 May 2026 These loud parties can devolve into violence, exasperating community leaders and the police. —

Theara Coleman, TheWeek, 11 May 2026 Reaves shot 10 for 16 from the field and 3 for 6 from 3-point range to go with six assists, while James – who spent much of the game exasperated with the officials – added 23 points on 9-for-18 shooting along with six assists and three steals. —

Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 8 May 2026 His confirmation process was ugly, and some of his actions during his first few months on the job exasperated the White House. —

Michael Scherer, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exasperate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for exasperate

Verb

Damian used to get annoyed with his father's motivational chats about responsibility.

— Claudia Boyd-Barrett, CBS News, 18 June 2026
Three hours before the parade is set to begin, paradegoers are already annoyed at the disorganization and slow-moving lines.

— Matt Nighswander, NBC news, 18 June 2026

Definition of annoy

Verb

But for those who just want to grab a bite or see a movie at the IMAX theater, the security protocol is an additional — possibly irritating — barrier.

— Seamus Bozeman Follow, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
Carpet shampoos often have a strong fragrance, which can irritate those sensitive to scent.

— BestReviews, Mercury News, 26 June 2026

Definition of irritate

Verb

Their drama is already stale, and between Nathan’s touchiness and Joe’s mistreatment of women, their fight over who is a better guy, a better seaman, a better worker, a better boyfriend is disengaging at best and aggravating at worst.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 23 June 2026
Certain movements may aggravate the pain, such as, oh, swinging a golf club.

— Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026