IRKSOME Synonyms: 59 Similar and Opposite Words

irksome

adjective

ˈərk-səm

Definition of irksome

as in annoying

causing annoyance the irksome habit of leaving all the kitchen cabinet doors open

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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 irksome The co-directors’ script is eventful enough, however, to keep their squabbling more as comedic background noise than an irksome dominant element. — Dennis Harvey, Variety, 14 Mar. 2026 Harbor officials called the situation more irksome than worrisome, noting booking a diving operation to assist with surfacing the structure could take a week or more. — Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 20 Feb. 2026 Skarsgård is sufficiently wacky and off-putting as the irksome Johannes, and Jamie Demetriou does yeoman’s work as Charli’s put-upon manager, Tim, the poor sap tapped to keep Charli on task (and usually fails). — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 5 Feb. 2026 There are a few reasons why these words are so irksome. — Angela Haupt, Time, 1 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for irksome

Recent Examples of Synonyms for irksome

Adjective

This is a realm of exposition-heavy opening credits, relentlessly earwormy theme tunes, and heroes who, for no obvious reason, choose to hang out with cute/annoying [delete as appropriate] comedy sidekicks like Orko and Snarf.

— Richard Edwards, Space.com, 5 July 2026
This would have evoked annoying memories of the 0-0 draw against Morocco in 2022 and 1-1 draw with Russia in 2018 for Spain.

— Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 5 July 2026

Definition of annoying

Adjective

Few workplace behaviors are as small, common and irritating as the message that goes unanswered.

— Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Greenberg tried his best to ignore an irritating ankle injury that had plagued him the last couple of weeks and grimaced under the hazy sunlight as the pitcher, probably 20 or more years his junior, stared him down.

— Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026

Definition of irritating

Adjective

And so the disturbing part of the dissent in the mail ballot case was that this was about a very narrow issue, whether ballots that are postmarked by Election Day can be counted if they're received in some period after.

— Tonya Mosley, NPR, 8 July 2026
The film is a modern take on creature horror movies told from the perspective of a young boy who slowly begins to discover his beloved parents are hiding a disturbing secret about his mother’s true nature.

— Justin Kroll, Deadline, 7 July 2026

Definition of disturbing

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irks

irksome

iron

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“Irksome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irksome. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of irksome

adjective

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