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
Sánchez, by contrast, has at least been consistent, as well as a consistent irritant to Trump on multiple issues, including Greenland, relations with China and defense spending.
—
Tim Lister, CNN Money, 8 Mar. 2026
Federal agents clashed with students and staff at the end of the school day, deploying chemical irritants and tackling several people in the encounter.
—Beret Leone, CBS News, 2 Mar. 2026
In that incident, federal agents deployed chemical irritants against protesters and observers in Mueller Park in the Lowry Hill East neighborhood of Minneapolis, the Minnesota Star Tribune reported.
—Kathryn Kovalenko, Twin Cities, 2 Mar. 2026
Key Takeaways Pepper spray is a chemical irritant used for crowd control or self-defense.
—Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for irritant
Tim Lister, CNN Money, 8 Mar. 2026
Federal agents clashed with students and staff at the end of the school day, deploying chemical irritants and tackling several people in the encounter.
—Beret Leone, CBS News, 2 Mar. 2026
In that incident, federal agents deployed chemical irritants against protesters and observers in Mueller Park in the Lowry Hill East neighborhood of Minneapolis, the Minnesota Star Tribune reported.
—Kathryn Kovalenko, Twin Cities, 2 Mar. 2026
Key Takeaways Pepper spray is a chemical irritant used for crowd control or self-defense.
—Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for irritant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for irritant
Noun
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However, the ink was barely dry when new revelations emerged last week that pose a fresh headache for Cannon.—
Jasmine Laws,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
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Authorities said Koc and Alshmari attacked the victim, causing a split lip and headaches.—
Madeline Bartos,
CBS News,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The pests have been a nuisance in the foothills for years.—
Nicole Comstock,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
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Some customers found Buc-ees pay-at-the-pump policy to be a minor nuisance.—
Marley Malenfant,
Austin American Statesman,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Odor is a botanical defense mechanism as much as thistles and thorns.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
21 Mar. 2026
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The spirit of the endeavor can forgive a lot, with some clumsy filmmaking that doesn’t seem to be an intentional homage, such as a slapdash set-up to Helen’s murderous ways and a slightly tacked-on feeling opening involving a film critic who has been a thorn in Jack’s side.—
Stephen Saito,
Variety,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
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New transparency tools aim to help travelers understand disruptions and reduce frustration during delays and cancellations.—
Zach Wichter,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
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And while the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners approved covering the overrun, most of which will come from the county's unrestricted fund balance, frustration is clearly building.—
Ubah Ali,
CBS News,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
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What This Means for South Florida’s Outdoor Diners For the millions of residents and visitors who eat outdoors along South Florida’s coast each year, the research reframes a familiar annoyance.—
Samantha Agate,
Miami Herald,
30 Mar. 2026
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In order to make sure horses keep their cool among loud, unpredictable crowds, officers do desensitization training with speakers, sirens, inflatable tube men, kazoos, fireworks, flags and all manner of annoyances.—
AJ Willingham,
AJC.com,
27 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Irritant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irritant. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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