as in annoying
causing annoyance
the irksome habit of leaving all the kitchen cabinet doors open
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
More irksome is the vein of hypocrisy running through this ‘standard setting’ messaging from Sox leadership.
—
Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 27 June 2025
This kind of dependence, common in most modern weapons systems, was often irksome for U.S. allies but not regarded as a big problem.
—Malcolm Turnbull, Foreign Affairs, 6 June 2025
Jean-Pierre served as former President Biden’s voice to the media for more than two and a half years, and her decision to split from the party at a time when it is particularly troubled has been more than irksome to Democrats.
—Amie Parnes, The Hill, 5 June 2025
He’s won two elections, but still faces the irksome reality that pop culture is far from still fully MAGA-fied.
—Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 25 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for irksome
Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 27 June 2025
This kind of dependence, common in most modern weapons systems, was often irksome for U.S. allies but not regarded as a big problem.
—Malcolm Turnbull, Foreign Affairs, 6 June 2025
Jean-Pierre served as former President Biden’s voice to the media for more than two and a half years, and her decision to split from the party at a time when it is particularly troubled has been more than irksome to Democrats.
—Amie Parnes, The Hill, 5 June 2025
He’s won two elections, but still faces the irksome reality that pop culture is far from still fully MAGA-fied.
—Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 25 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for irksome
Recent Examples of Synonyms for irksome
Adjective
-
Frankie Montas Montas is slated to miss all of next season, and so his $17 million player option is easier than any decision in those annoying Capital One ads.—
Tim Britton,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
-
There was one distraction during the number when the director made their performance look like a TikTok video, complete with a stream of annoying comments to the left of Leavitt’s tush.—
Lynette Rice,
Deadline,
30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Odegaard’s recent medial collateral ligament injury to his left knee will be doubly frustrating as a result, with that pair now missing opportunities to build more chemistry.—
Art de Roché,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
-
Label your bulbs now to avoid frustrating mix-ups later.—
Erica Browne Grivas,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The more irritating the characters get, the more compelling the movie becomes.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
3 Oct. 2025
-
This silky, fragrance-free formula delivers all the benefits of retinol—like smoothing fine lines, refining texture, and evening skin tone—without a heavy or irritating feel.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The private messages offer a disturbing glimpse into how Jones — who is looking to oust incumbent Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares this fall — describes his political adversaries in private conversations.—
Amy DeLaura,
The Washington Examiner,
5 Oct. 2025
-
There were masks and body suits made of female skin, along with human skulls for soup bowls and other disturbing oddities.—
Christopher Rudolph,
PEOPLE,
4 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Irksome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irksome. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share