irritant

noun

ˈir-ə-tənt How to pronounce irritant (audio)
Definition of irritantnext
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 It’s made from fabrics that are tightly woven or antimicrobial and can prevent irritants from settling into the fabric. — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 18 July 2026 Smoke causes inflammation by triggering the body’s immune system to go into overtime to fight the irritant. — Seth Borenstein, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026 Smoke can trigger inflammation in different parts of the body, often attacking a person’s weakest points, which can then cascade into different effects of an immune system trying to fight a nasty irritant, doctors and scientists said. — Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 17 July 2026 Researchers documented officers tackling or pinning people to the ground and using chemical irritants, rubber bullets and tasers. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for irritant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for irritant
  1. headache
  2. nuisance
  3. thorn
  4. frustration
  5. annoyance
Noun
  • AutoCamp is also a short walk to the main drag, sparing guests the headache of the limited parking around shops and restaurants.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Friday provided a brief but clear reminder of what kind of headache that could be for opposing defensive coordinators.
    — Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of headache
Noun
  • The South Coast Air Quality Management District has issued at least 20 violation notices to Lineage for public nuisance.
    — Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2026
  • On Thursday, a judge found Meta had created a public nuisance and ordered it to pay an additional $567 million and implement youth-safety measures.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of nuisance
Noun
  • Their kickers’ health and performance for years have been one of the thorns in the team’s side.
    — Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • With hill country roots and dangerous charm, Zak has been raised since birth to carry on the Farley racing dynasty, a thorn in the Whitlock family’s side.
    — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of thorn
Noun
  • Whenever Biya eventually leaves office, his successor will inherit a country also facing attacks by Boko Haram militants in the north and deep economic frustration among young people.
    — Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Rather than treating Debra’s frustrations as something distant from her own life, Heaton drew from the reality of raising her own kids while working on the series.
    — Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of frustration
Noun
  • Unfortunately, the sound system problems that began during the Romantics set (and would actually continue during Toto’s performance) hit their height of annoyance while Cross was on the stage.
    — Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Seat switchers—passengers who ask to switch seats—also made the list as the top annoyance for 20 percent of respondents.
    — Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of annoyance

Browse Nearby Words

irritableness
irritant
irritants
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Irritant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irritant. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on irritant

Nglish: Translation of irritant for Spanish Speakers

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