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
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Recent Examples of irritant
Have protective goggles or shatter-resistant glasses (for tear gas or irritants).
—
Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 17 Oct. 2025
The plaintiffs alleged in the lawsuit that police used excessive force and violated their constitutional rights by deploying tear gas, chemical irritants, projectiles, grenades and pepper spray.
—Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 15 Oct. 2025
Dirty clothing can also cause or worsen rashes in some people, depending on which skin irritants are lingering in your clothes.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 Oct. 2025
These include drinking plenty of fluids, avoiding irritants such as scented soaps and using over-the-counter pain relievers.
—Daryl Austin, USA Today, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for irritant
Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 17 Oct. 2025
The plaintiffs alleged in the lawsuit that police used excessive force and violated their constitutional rights by deploying tear gas, chemical irritants, projectiles, grenades and pepper spray.
—Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 15 Oct. 2025
Dirty clothing can also cause or worsen rashes in some people, depending on which skin irritants are lingering in your clothes.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 Oct. 2025
These include drinking plenty of fluids, avoiding irritants such as scented soaps and using over-the-counter pain relievers.
—Daryl Austin, USA Today, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for irritant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for irritant
Noun
-
For the patents on some of Novo Nordisk’s hero products in certain regions to be running out is an inevitable headache—companies can only hold them for so long before competitors are able to launch their own products.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Symptoms may include diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches or other ailments.—
Anna Skinner,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
An Orange County judge granted the city of Santa Ana’s request for a preliminary injunction against several businesses on East First Street accused of being public nuisances.—
Mona Darwish,
Oc Register,
8 Nov. 2025
-
According to the American Mosquito Control Association, mosquitoes are not only a nuisance but also a public health concern, capable of carrying diseases like West Nile virus.—
Connie Etemadi,
USA Today,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Yes, in an industry cartwheeling almost daily through new technologies, new owners, new formats and new audience expectations, the nearly-100-year-old measurement company was the sharpest thorn in Ziffren’s paw.—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
30 Oct. 2025
-
Thanks, Edison Long a thorn in Edison’s side, Gary Headrick of San Clemente Green has been urging Edison to release all the inspection photos for months.—
Teri Sforza,
Oc Register,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The thumping Republicans took in this week's elections reflected longer-running anger among constituencies that already leaned Democratic, but the GOP needs to worry that the government shutdown will cause that frustration to spread.—
Deputy News Editor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
-
One person familiar with Tuesday’s heated discussion within the caucus says there appears to be at least eight Democratic votes to reopen the government — even though progressive Democratic senators vented their frustration with the potential deal.—
Alexander Bolton,
The Hill,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Carry a pack of tissues everywhere in case they are needed because the slightest comments or annoyances could set us off at these times.—
Lisa Stardust,
Refinery29,
7 Nov. 2025
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And that’ll always be the source of great frustration and annoyance for her.—
Kate Aurthur,
Variety,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Irritant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irritant. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.
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