as in annoying
to disturb the peace of mind of (someone) especially by repeated disagreeable acts
she irked her friend by chewing her gum loudly during the movie
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Recent Examples of irking
The Bruins finished the season 16-1 in their own building, notching another huge win over Nebraska late on Tuesday (with the tip time irking UCLA coach Mick Cronin).
—
Jim Root, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026
And analysts say that countries, including smaller developing markets, may be more wary of irking China, even to protect the growth of their own manufacturing sectors – especially when contending with a US trade war.
—Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 15 Jan. 2026
Jim Root, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026
And analysts say that countries, including smaller developing markets, may be more wary of irking China, even to protect the growth of their own manufacturing sectors – especially when contending with a US trade war.
—Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 15 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for irking
Verb
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Weird; annoying even – but the floaters did not seem urgent.—
Peter Ubel,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2026
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My biggest concern about adding a tracking device around Mya’s neck was annoying her or creating disruption.—
Tyler Hayes,
PC Magazine,
13 May 2026
Verb
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Brunson turned on the boosters in the second half, attacking the Spurs' defense and showing little sign that his knee was bothering him.—
Alejandro Avila,
FOXNews.com,
4 June 2026
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If certain smells or experiences are bothering you, here are some other tips for managing postpartum odor and sweat.—
Dory Zayas,
Parents,
28 May 2026
Verb
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How to avoid chiggers Aside from the potential risk of anaphylactic allergy and severe illness, chiggers are, well, irritating.—
Eva Flowe
June 11,
Charlotte Observer,
11 June 2026
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When pouring perlite out of the bag, wear a mask and eye protection to prevent any dust that floats in the air from irritating your eyes, nose, or throat.—
Libby Monteith Minor,
Southern Living,
6 June 2026
Verb
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His doctor had been bugging him for years to get a colonoscopy because of his age, but Driggers declined.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 June 2026
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Get clear about what’s bugging you.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
26 May 2026
Verb
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Biden weaponized Law Enforcement against his political opponent, while also persecuting many other innocent people.—
New York Times,
New York Times,
11 June 2026
-
Jack Hayford, the founder of the King’s University, in Texas, claimed that the film was persecuting Christians, who only wanted to be treated equally.—
Isaac Butler,
New Yorker,
30 May 2026
Verb
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He was removed from last Sunday’s game against the Mets after aggravating his hamstring running out a single.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 June 2026
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Koeninger, a Tennessee signee, was noticeably missing from the batting order after aggravating a left-hand injury last week.—
Darren Lauber,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
6 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Irking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irking. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
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