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  • Word comparison: exasperate vs. exacerbate

exasperate vs. exacerbate

exasperate

verb (used with object)

exasperated, exasperating 

  1. to irritate or provoke to a high degree; annoy extremely.

    He was exasperated by the senseless delays.

    Synonyms: infuriate, inflame, vex, anger, provoke, incense

  2. Archaic.,  to increase the intensity or violence of (disease, pain, feelings, etc.).

    Synonyms: exacerbate

adjective

  1. Botany.,  rough; covered with hard, projecting points, as a leaf.

exacerbate

verb (used with object)

exacerbated, exacerbating 

  1. to increase the severity, bitterness, or violence of (disease, ill feeling, etc.); aggravate.

    Synonyms: worsen, inflame, intensify, intensify
    Antonyms: alleviate, soothe, soothe, relieve

  2. to embitter the feelings of (a person); irritate; exasperate.