irked 1 of 2

irked

2 of 2

verb

past tense of irk

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of irked
Verb
Marmo’s show has a labelling issue that’s similar to the one that irked his subject. Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 21 June 2026 Calls for the team to take some drastic action with its underperforming pitchers evidently irked veteran reliever Alex Vesia, who decided to send a response through the media. Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026 Underpinning it all, and a big part of why Grella’s words touched a raw nerve, is a spiky rivalry between the two sporting nations that carries some angst and underdog annoyance, and has the Australian public and national team genuinely irked. Tom Bogert, New York Times, 16 June 2026 Even supporters of the president’s architectural ethos have been irked by his demolition of White House’s East Wing to make room for the party space. Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 12 June 2026 Fox spoke at the Spurs’ shootaround on Monday, where he was admittedly irked about his usual routine being changed. Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2026 The projection of stability may also explain why Xi has headed to Pyongyang, whose accelerating nuclear program and growing closeness with Moscow have irked Beijing. Stella Kim, NBC news, 8 June 2026 The move irked Series 9 owners, who wondered why Apple dropped support, especially since iOS 27 (and watchOS 27) will be available for iPhones going back to 2019's iPhone 11. Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 8 June 2026 Stephanie Molster, the founder of Stephanie Molster Interiors, explains how she often gets irked when there's nowhere to put down a drink in a living space. Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 6 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for irked
Adjective
  • Hardin is more amused than annoyed, particularly given the origin of the FTD Burger.
    Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
  • Still, Pochettino’s tone indicated he was still annoyed to have lost.
    Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • The messaging bothered Al-Shaair deeply and still does.
    Dan Pompei, New York Times, 23 June 2026
  • Neighbors bothered by crowing or other issues can file nuisance complaints with Animal Care and Control.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • There was a point in Patrick Paul’s ascension last season where his smirk, his hearty chuckles irritated, if not frustrated his opponents to the point of anger.
    Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 26 June 2026
  • On Friday, a cloud of irritated bees swarmed the linden’s trunk about 20 feet up, where wind from strong storms the night before had snapped it.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2026
Verb
  • When Riley returned to the table, La La told me that his high profile in the city sometimes bugged her, because fans were always interrupting them, even sitting down at their table.
    Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 17 May 2026
  • Upon arriving at big-league camp this spring, Rojas said the different grip initially bugged him.
    Dan Hayes, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Katie Wilson won an upset victory to lead Seattle last fall.
    Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 27 June 2026
  • This is an odd thing to be upset about.
    Jon Root OutKick, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2026
Verb
  • In Britain, all the large predators had long since been exterminated and the smaller ones (like foxes) were ruthlessly persecuted.
    Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 22 June 2026
  • Supporting people who have too often been, and continue to be, persecuted and othered would be a direct way to address the suffering.
    Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 14 June 2026
Adjective
  • For a variety of reasons that weren’t immediately entirely clear, there was a comprehensive and fundamental breakdown in access to the stadium that left many exasperated or furious.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 17 June 2026
  • Such a reader would be even more exasperated by The End of Everything, which turns the dial up several notches.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • Last week, Dipke traveled to several Indian cities, joining thousands of angry demonstrators to demand the education minister’s removal.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 26 June 2026
  • Played by House of the Dragon’s Milly Alcock, Kara’s path crosses that of an angry, sword-wielding teenager, Ruthye Marye Knoll (Eve Ridley), who seeks revenge for her slain family.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 26 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Irked.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irked. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.

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