IRRITANT Synonyms: 56 Similar and Opposite Words

irritant

noun

ˈir-ə-tənt

Definition of irritant

as in headache

something that is a source of irritation the whining child was a constant irritant to his long-suffering parents

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 irritant As federal agents increasingly used chemical irritants on crowds, Michael Cavlan began spending less time patrolling and more time treating people who’d been hurt. — Emily Witt, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 Carney also said that Washington viewed protections for French and Canadian culture — considered fundamental rights in Canada — as irritants to trade. — ABC News, 26 Aug. 2026 Police also say there is no evidence an MPD officer on scene deployed any irritant. — Wcco Staff, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026 For many of us, these little irritants make screen-cleaning an easy chore to remember. — Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for irritant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for irritant

Noun

For anyone living in a household where someone snores, wakes up with headaches or drags through the day, Jack Black’s candid podcast conversation about his CPAP machine offers a familiar reference point.

— Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 25 Sep. 2026
People infected with typhus typically develop symptoms within one to two weeks, which may include a fever, headache, rash and body aches.

— Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of headache

Noun

Take some time to seal gaps in window and door frames with weatherproof caulk to prevent fall stink bug problems, along with roaches, boxelder bugs, cluster flies, and other nuisances.

— Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 25 Sep. 2026
Those feedings typically run afoul of associations’ governing documents and their rules and regulations due to the potential nuisances, unsanitary conditions, property damage, and liabilities that feral cats and other animals can create.

— Michael L. Hyman, Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of nuisance

Noun

More recently, Hannah Hidalgo has been a thorn in the Huskies’ sides, though UConn got past ND in the Elite Eight last March.

— Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 19 Sep. 2026
Oil, which in recent weeks has been a thorn in the stock market's side, provided the first source of relief Monday.

— Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of thorn

Noun

While some experts cite the threat of civilian drones being equipped to deliver explosives or chemical or biological agents, authorities and defense executives say the more common risk is annoyance and interruption.

— Jason Gewirtz, CNBC, 27 Sep. 2026
For the majority of those living away from the coast, say west of I-95, this will not be a memorable storm but more of an annoyance.

— Terry Eliasen, CBS News, 27 Sep. 2026

Definition of annoyance

Browse Nearby Words

irritableness

irritant

irritants

See all Nearby Words

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Style

“Irritant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irritant. Accessed 1 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of irritant

noun

Example Sentences

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