irritating
adjective
ir·ri·tat·ing
ˈir-ə-ˌtā-tiŋ 
: causing displeasure, anger, or annoyance
an irritating noise/habit
I felt more and more angry. There was something very irritating and aggressive in Summerlee's demeanour.—
Arthur Conan Doyle
Arthur Conan DoyleExamples of irritating in a Sentence
his particularly irritating habit of leaving his dirty clothes on the floor
this soap leaves a residue that might be a little irritating if you have sensitive skin
Recent Examples on the Web
Smoke can also be very irritating for guests with allergies and certain health conditions.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 8 Dec. 2025
Joey McIntyre, Donnie Wahlberg, Danny Wood and Jonathan and Jordan Knight half-rap over an irritating electronic backbeat like wannabe Beastie Boys.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 4 Dec. 2025
The fourth century’s Cassian of Imola—patron saint of shorthand writers and court reporters, and apparently a strict teacher—was so irritating that a judge condemned him to be tortured to death by his own students, who stabbed him with their styli and school supplies.
—Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 23 Nov. 2025
Formulated in Korea with natural, non-irritating ingredients suitable for sensitive skin, the face masks are the first example, infusing hydrating and calming ingredients such as Vitamin B12 and aloe.
—Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 6 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for irritating
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.
Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 8 Dec. 2025
Joey McIntyre, Donnie Wahlberg, Danny Wood and Jonathan and Jordan Knight half-rap over an irritating electronic backbeat like wannabe Beastie Boys.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 4 Dec. 2025
The fourth century’s Cassian of Imola—patron saint of shorthand writers and court reporters, and apparently a strict teacher—was so irritating that a judge condemned him to be tortured to death by his own students, who stabbed him with their styli and school supplies.
—Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 23 Nov. 2025
Formulated in Korea with natural, non-irritating ingredients suitable for sensitive skin, the face masks are the first example, infusing hydrating and calming ingredients such as Vitamin B12 and aloe.
—Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 6 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for irritating
Cite this Entry
“Irritating.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/irritating. Accessed 18 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share