maddening

adjective

mad·​den·​ing ˈmad-niŋ How to pronounce maddening (audio)
ˈma-dᵊn-iŋ
Synonyms of maddeningnext
1
: tending to craze
2
a
: tending to infuriate
b
: tending to vex : irritating
maddeningly
ˈmad-niŋ-lē How to pronounce maddening (audio)
ˈma-dᵊn-iŋ-
adverb

Synonyms

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Examples of maddening in a Sentence

He has a maddening habit of interrupting other people. She shows a maddening inability to control her children.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
That means adding shelters/mental health and ending programs that don’t deliver results — no more inaction and excuses. 3 – The sewage crisis is maddening. — Emily Alvarenga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Mar. 2025 Despite all this maddening news about deception and rate increases, there’s an important reality to remember: Insurance costs should absolutely be higher in Florida than most of America, because the risks are greater here. — Scott Maxwell, Sun Sentinel, 2 Mar. 2025 February, on the contrary, was ludicrous, delivering a deluge of life-consuming experiences, from Civilization VII’s grand strategy soap opera to Kingdom Come: Deliverance II’s medieval RPG of beguiling, maddening detail. — Lewis Gordon, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2025 These Rangers have been maddening, uninspired, good at times — all over the map. — Arthur Staple, The Athletic, 22 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for maddening

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1743, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of maddening was circa 1743

Rhymes for maddening

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maddening
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Cite this Entry

“Maddening.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maddening. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

maddening

adjective
mad·​den·​ing
ˈmad-niŋ,
-ᵊn-iŋ
: that irritates or angers
a maddening habit
maddeningly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on maddening

Nglish: Translation of maddening for Spanish Speakers

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