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 of irritable

• 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

Even Adam’s irritable female boss, Suzie (Sasheer Zamata), hides under a people-pleasing mask. —Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026

Additionally, Owens' youngest child, Titus, who was just a toddler when his mother died, was confused, irritable and inconsolable in the weeks after her death, Dias shared. —Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 2 June 2026

That’s because the Moon is at odds with Mars today and everyone is irritable. —Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 7 May 2026

Perhaps through feeling more irritable, more anxious, or wanting to isolate. —Joy Harden Bradford, AJC.com, 2 Apr. 2026

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