as in headache
something that is a source of irritation
the whining child was a constant irritant to his long-suffering parents
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of irritant
The judge issued restrictions that include barring agents from using chemical irritants.
—
Michael Loria, USA Today, 4 Feb. 2026
Chemical irritants affect the eyes, skin and lungs first, causing scratches to the surface of the eye, painful skin reactions, breathing difficulties and acute psychological distress.
—Michele Heisler, The Conversation, 4 Feb. 2026
Inflammation is your immune system's natural response to irritants, injuries, or infections.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 4 Feb. 2026
Outside the detention center on Wednesday, Texas state police deployed chemical irritants toward protesters, who had gathered in support of the detainees being held at the facility.
—Arkansas Online, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for irritant
Michael Loria, USA Today, 4 Feb. 2026
Chemical irritants affect the eyes, skin and lungs first, causing scratches to the surface of the eye, painful skin reactions, breathing difficulties and acute psychological distress.
—Michele Heisler, The Conversation, 4 Feb. 2026
Inflammation is your immune system's natural response to irritants, injuries, or infections.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 4 Feb. 2026
Outside the detention center on Wednesday, Texas state police deployed chemical irritants toward protesters, who had gathered in support of the detainees being held at the facility.
—Arkansas Online, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for irritant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for irritant
Noun
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Unexpectedly, though, operators stumbled across an issue with ground support equipment that could cause more headaches for a crucial moon mission that has already slipped at least a month from its target launch date.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
16 Feb. 2026
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Running out of memory, setting up a new phone or simply wanting peace of mind, Picture Keeper removes the headache from backups.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Honeysuckle is considered a nuisance by many homeowners.—
Lee Wallender,
The Spruce,
19 Feb. 2026
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This list includes invasive species that spread across the landscape, smothering everything in their path (like kudzu, of course), as well as fast-growing native species, like trumpet vine and Virginia creeper, which spread quickly and can become a nuisance in yards and gardens.—
Steve Bender,
Southern Living,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The question over how Trump’s aggressive immigration enforcement will impact the World Cup — when millions are expected to visit — remains a thorn in FIFA’s side.—
Melanie Anzidei,
New York Times,
18 Feb. 2026
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Let’s go through your roses and thorns for some of the show’s most iconic scenes.—
Reshma Gopaldas,
Vogue,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Rosen has voiced frustration with the prospect of having supported Measure A and still bracing for heavy cuts to his office.—
Robert Salonga,
Mercury News,
18 Feb. 2026
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The year before, Jackson had been involved in a demonstration that closed part of the Dan Ryan Expressway, a mass expression of frustration over gun violence.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Although there is a standing ovation, Derya doesn’t hang around to bask in the applause, much to the annoyance of a visiting politician who is angling for a selfie with the star.—
Damon Wise,
Deadline,
16 Feb. 2026
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To the president's annoyance, surprisingly solid economic statistics have failed to persuade many Americans to adopt a rosier outlook.—
Susan Page,
USA Today,
16 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Irritant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irritant. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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