annoy
66 synonyms and 3 antonyms for annoy, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To bother or irritate someone, especially through repeated small actions.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use annoy
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French anoier ("to bother, disturb"), from Late Latin inodiare ("to make loathsome"), rooted in Latin odium, "hatred."
Full origin of annoy →Frequently asked questions
What does “annoy” mean?
The word “annoy” means to bother or irritate someone, especially through repeated small actions. In plain terms, to irritate or bother someone, usually through small, repeated things rather than one big offense.
How do you pronounce “annoy”?
“Annoy” is pronounced uh-NOIH (/əˈnoɪ̯/ in IPA).
How do you use “annoy” in a sentence?
Here is “annoy” used in a sentence: “The dripping tap annoyed him all night.”
What is another word for “annoy”?
Words with a similar meaning to “annoy” include aggravate, nettle, rankle, ruffle, sting and antagonize.
What is the opposite of “annoy”?
The opposite of “annoy” — its antonyms — are comfort, please and soothe.
What part of speech is “annoy”?
“Annoy” is a verb.
Where does the word “annoy” come from?
The word “annoy” comes from Late Latin. From Old French anoier ("to bother, disturb"), from Late Latin inodiare ("to make loathsome"), rooted in Latin odium, "hatred.".
Is “annoy” a common word?
“Annoy” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.