irritable

adjective

ir·​ri·​ta·​ble ˈir-ə-tə-bəl 

: capable of being irritated: such as

a

: easily exasperated or excited

gets irritable when he tires

b

: responsive to stimuli

irritableness noun

irritably

ˈir-ə-tə-blē 

adverb

Synonyms

• fiery
• snappish
• irascible
• peevish
• grumpy
• grouchy
• petulant
• crabby
• cross
• cranky
• testy
• crotchety
• waspish
• pettish
• choleric
• short-tempered
• passionate
• snarky
• raspy
• snippy

Examples of irritable in a Sentence

My father is always irritable after a nap.

I came home from work feeling tired and irritable.

Recent Examples on the Web

But a new wrench is thrown into the works in the form of an irritable downstairs neighbor. —Megan McCluskey, Time, 27 June 2025

When a muscle is injured or put under extra stress, myofascial trigger points—basically, irritable spots in the muscle—can form and cause pain. —Jenny McCoy, SELF, 26 June 2025

And getting swept at home by a losing club, the Miami Marlins, would make anyone a tad irritable and hypersensitive. —Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 26 June 2025

Here are some of the highlights from Tuesday’s practice: — Coach Mike McDaniel seemed a bit irritable during his pre-practice media session. —Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 10 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1662, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing irritable

• irritable bowel syndrome

Kids Definition

irritable

adjective

ir·​ri·​ta·​ble ˈir-ət-ə-bəl 

: capable of being irritated

especially : easily irritated

gets irritable when he's tired

irritableness noun

irritably

-blē 

adverb

Medical Definition

irritable

adjective

ir·​ri·​ta·​ble ˈir-ət-ə-bəl 

: characterized by irritability: as

a

: easily exasperated or excited

b

: responsive to stimuli