FRUSTRATION Synonyms: 129 Similar and Opposite Words

frustration

noun

(ˌ)frə-ˈstrā-shən

Definition of frustration

as in headache

something that is a source of irritation bad spelling is a constant frustration to language-arts teachers

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in disappointment

the emotion felt when one's expectations are not met the kids couldn't hide their frustration when they couldn't get the electronic toy to work

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in exasperation

the feeling of impatience or anger caused by another's repeated disagreeable acts the professor's frustration with students who refused to consult the syllabus

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 frustration Pabst has publicly addressed the theft through social media, expressing frustration while urging the person responsible to return the vehicle and its cargo. — ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026 Some levity might help ease the consistent frustration of not knowing who’s who. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 28 Aug. 2026 While there is plenty of frustration about prices, there are also voters willing to make adjustments without blaming Republicans. — Mike Catalini, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026 Jim Wunderman, head of public affairs for California Forever, echoed Newsom’s frustrations. — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for frustration

Recent Examples of Synonyms for frustration

Noun

West Nile symptoms A full 80% of those infected may not show symptoms, but 20% have flu-like symptoms, such as a fever with headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, rash or fatigue.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 4 Sep. 2026
Cole Burston / Getty Images With so many clubs still in the mix, even scoreboard watching can induce a headache.

— Zack Meisel, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of headache

Noun

In the comments of an Instagram upload from Bustle, which also showed Stoermer’s Stories post, fans expressed their disappointment with Euphoria‘s conclusion in the comments.

— Hannah Malach, InStyle, 2 Sep. 2026
Those hoping the Iran war ends soon currently face disappointment.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of disappointment

Noun

That in turn has prompted exasperation from some officials and Pacific-watchers at the prospect of another summit overshadowed by rivalry between non-member countries.

— ABC News, ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026
Zilisch’s exasperation reached a boiling point last week at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

— Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of exasperation

Noun

But administrative burdens are a technology of annoyance, degradation, discrimination, and needless extraction.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026
That information sticks together, and companies use it to build a profile of you for marketing, selling, and general annoyance.

— K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of annoyance

Noun

Most, hosted by a coalition of local Democratic groups, discussed dismay at the number of deaths in the county jail and the reduction of polling locations.

— Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Sep. 2026
Russia's surprise return to the table sparked dismay among European officials, who opposed appearing with Siluanov in the traditional G20 photo, which was ultimately taken without the Russian minister.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of dismay

Noun

Another steered people to collagen creams for lifting, which included products for calming irritation and a cream formulated for reducing redness.

— Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Hyaluronic acid can help combat potential irritation and dryness caused by retinol.

— Ellie Davis, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of irritation

Noun

In March, a Jackson County judge ordered Millennia to board up the property and fix those nuisances.

— Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026
The number of bears killed by motor vehicle strikes, euthanized as nuisances because of conflicts with humans or poached in the Central Florida region over the past decade total about 1,900.

— Stephen Hudak, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of nuisance

Noun

For young people just entering the workforce, high-unemployment coupled with the high cost of living added to their dissatisfaction.

— Tania Azhang, Sacbee.com, 25 Aug. 2026
As popular dissatisfaction with the country’s traditional politicians and political parties grew, many Bolivians began looking to leaders who had emerged from the social movements themselves.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of dissatisfaction

Browse Nearby Words

frustrating

frustration

frustrations

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Frustration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frustration. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of frustration

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on frustration

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

matriculate

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes