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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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 irksome There were so few sightings of lovebugs in 2023 that Leppla and other entomologists received calls from the public asking where the irksome little critters went. — Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 May 2026 Most people find that irksome shingles symptoms slowly subside in a few weeks, but PHN can last months or even years. — Alyssa Sparacino, Glamour, 27 Apr. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for irksome

Recent Examples of Synonyms for irksome

Adjective

Edward Hoke is an ingratiating, appropriately annoying and attractive Blaze.

— Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 10 Aug. 2026
Cloobeck, 64, was arrested in May and charged with three counts of attempting to dissuade a witness from testifying and one count of harassment for making annoying phone calls, according to a criminal complaint.

— James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of annoying

Adjective

What’s frustrating is the capacity to end voter registration already exists.

— Ellen Kurz, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026
Though Gakpo was a frustrating watch at times throughout last season at Liverpool, his nose for a goalscoring opportunity cannot be denied.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of frustrating

Adjective

Like nails on a chalkboard, whining—an irritating blend of talking and crying—has the ability to make almost any parent either lose their temper or cave.

— Debby Waldman, Parents, 3 Aug. 2026
In fact, this is where our motivations become personal and perhaps even slightly irritating, especially if repressed emotions or sensitivities rise to the surface.

— Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of irritating

Browse Nearby Words

irks

irksome

iron

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“Irksome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irksome. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of irksome

adjective

Example Sentences

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