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
Naturally, reviving some of these fraught narratives seem to have irked some mentioned in the book. — Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2026 Lin had a difficult and complex remit at Netflix, particularly with the mandate of cutting spending and reducing the slate to focus on better-quality films, which irked some people in the entertainment industry, sources said. — Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026 Cornyn’s disengagement has irked Paxton’s allies, who recognize Cornyn’s potential appeal to moderate voters — including those Cruz might not be able to reach. — Matthew Choi, Washington Post, 18 Oct. 2026 But the ones that irked Cristobal the most came before plays even began. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 28 Sep. 2026 But Trinity's focus on its bottom line also irked many Republicans, including Mantello, who was the City Council president at the time. — Noam Levey, NPR, 1 Sep. 2026 Every president since there have been broadcasters has had reason to be irked by them, both radio and television. — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 24 Aug. 2026 If customers have been irked about the thumb-twiddling wait or early closing hours, most aren’t complaining. — Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 18 Aug. 2026 Baldur is more circumspect, irked at having temporarily lost his boat in the mishap, and unsettled by Helge’s teasing manner, which could be interpreted as either adversarial or flirtatious. — Dennis Harvey, Variety, 26 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for irked
Adjective
  • Kermode was curious, if not slightly annoyed about all this cryptic communication and the request for a secret rendezvous.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Yamamoto also seemed annoyed that his catcher could be letting his batting woes affect his work behind the plate.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • No one from the magazine bothered to help clean up the mess, but Camper, Tim and Mike, until then occupying each other by the Golden Age of SF section, responded rapidly.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Not that those food safety shortcomings bothered rodents at The Blue Store aka Bargain Supermarket, 2901 NW 19th St.
    — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • For irritated skin, look for a mask with a cooling effect and soothing ingredients, such as 111Skin’s Rose Gold Brightening Mask Set.
    — Lauren Valenti, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Pause potent actives like retinoids, AHAs, BHAs and vitamin C when skin is irritated.
    — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 26 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • And as the team moved into the couple’s guest house on their San Diego rental property, the filmmakers feared that the home was bugged and ordered a device to try to de-bug it, without success.
    — Kirsten Chuba, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2026
  • He’s bugged Jay — the two met online and married two years ago before opening their first restaurant last year — to make sure that includes his crispy duck panang curry.
    — Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 22 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • There was no upset this time in the season opener for TCU men’s basketball as the Horned Frogs rolled to a 98-59 win over Lindenwood Monday night at Schollmaier Arena.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Hafley was naturally upset about Ollie Gordon’s unsportsmanlike conduct penalty that turned into a 3rd and 5 into a 3rd and 20 that the Dolphins didn’t convert during the Patriots’ 21-0 run.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 2 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • The company named all its weapons after Ukrainian intellectuals and artists killed or persecuted by Russians in the last century.
    — Joanna Kakissis, NPR, 29 Oct. 2026
  • During this same time his father had vanished behind the Bamboo Curtain and was almost certainly persecuted, possibly even murdered, by the same Communists that Hoover claimed to be fighting.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Autant, the owner of L’Amandier, seemed both relieved and a little exasperated.
    — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Trip isn’t the standout role, but Keery handles the character’s exasperated monologues with panache, turning self-defense and infuriated straight-talk into acts of exhilarating sanity.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • His second confrontation is with an angry, judgmental version of Original Vision who accuses him of cowardice and inaction for denying his identity for so long.
    — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 4 Nov. 2026
  • His familiar cast of angry, sometimes menacing children began to give way to quieter, more introspective figures.
    — Daniel Cassady for ARTnews, Robb Report, 4 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Irked.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irked. Accessed 7 Nov. 2026.

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