maddening
/ˈmædənɪŋ/
ADJECTIVE
1. Causing anger or frustration
Causing intense irritation, annoyance, frustration, or anger.
1.1. Irritating and frustrating situations
Describes something that repeatedly tests someone's patience, causes annoyance, or creates strong feelings of frustration.
Synonyms
- annoying
- aggravating
- irritating
- exasperating
- frustrating
- infuriating
- vexing
- irksome
- grating
- galling
- provoking
- bothersome
- trying
- tiresome
Antonyms
- calming
- soothing
- appeasing
- comforting
- pleasing
- delightful
- relaxing
- charming
- gratifying
Examples
- The maddening traffic jam seemed endless, testing the patience of every driver on the highway.
- The maddening repetition of the malfunctioning alarm clock grated on her nerves each morning.
- The maddening uncertainty of the situation left everyone on edge, craving answers.
- The maddening sound of construction outside their apartment disrupted their peaceful weekend.
- The maddening delays at the airport frustrated travelers, leading to a chorus of sighs and complaints.
Related Words
- annoyance
- aggravation
- irritation
- exasperation
- frustration
- anger
- impatience
- displeasure
- resentment
VERB
2. Driving someone to anger or fury
Causing someone to become extremely angry, irritated, or emotionally agitated.
2.1. Provoking anger and intense irritation
Used as the present participle of the verb madden to describe an action or situation that makes someone angry, annoyed, or furious.
Synonyms
- angering
- annoying
- aggravating
- antagonizing
- enraging
- exasperating
- incensing
- infuriating
- irritating
- provoking
- vexing
- riling
- nettling
- rankling
- upsetting
Antonyms
Examples
- The constant interruptions were maddening the people trying to concentrate.
- His repeated complaints were maddening everyone in the room.
- The persistent delays were maddening the passengers waiting at the airport.
Related Words
- anger
- rage
- fury
- irritation
- aggravation
- provocation
- resentment
- exasperation
2.2. Causing mental disturbance or overwhelming agitation
Describes something that drives a person toward irrationality, extreme agitation, or an uncontrolled emotional state.
Synonyms
- deranging
- crazing
- unhinging
- enflaming
- inflaming
- unbalancing
Antonyms
Examples
- The prolonged isolation was maddening him and making it difficult to think clearly.
- The relentless pressure was maddening the workers and pushing them toward emotional exhaustion.