Synonyms for

Annoy

Verb / ʌˈnɔɪ / Another word for annoy — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to make someone feel slightly angry and unhappy

Synonyms & similar words

rile nark devil getto vex rag getat bother chafe nettle gravel irritate irritate bother disturb provoke vex aggravate pique irksome trouble exasperate gall peeve chafe hassle ruffle nettle bug grate harry nag

Synonyms by register

Formal

irritate vex exasperate aggravate

Informal

bother bug pester hassle get on someone's nerves

Literary

disquiet perturb chagrin

Antonyms

please delight appease gratify soothe charm placate

Common collocations

  • annoy someone greatly
  • annoy the hell out of someone
  • annoy to distraction
  • annoy someone intensely
  • annoy the boss
  • annoy the neighbors
  • annoy the children

Word family

noun annoyance
verb annoy
adjective annoying

Usage note

Annoy is a common verb. Its adjective form, 'annoying', is often used to describe people or things that cause irritation. Avoid using 'annoy' in very formal contexts where 'vex' or 'exasperate' might be more appropriate.

Example sentences

  1. My sister's habit of tapping her foot really annoys me.
  2. The sound of the dog barking all night is starting to annoy the neighbors.
  3. Please stop flicking your pen, it's so annoying!
  4. The mosquito buzzing around my head is really annoying.
  5. It's so annoying when people talk during the movie.

Quotes

  • The best way to annoy a poet is to ask him to explain his poetry.
  • The surest way to make a monkey of a man is to quote him.
  • Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it everywhere, diagnosing it incorrectly and applying the wrong remedies.

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