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 For many of us, these little irritants make screen-cleaning an easy chore to remember. — Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 23 Aug. 2026 Sharks are known to rub against reefs, sand, rocks and even the seafloor to remove irritants. — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026 Powder emitted from an airbag deployment in Hampton’s car could have been an irritant to Hampton’s eyes, Brissette suggested. — Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 July 2026 The signature blend of ceramides works to strengthen and support the skin’s natural barrier, which helps lock in moisture while defending against environmental irritants like pollutants and allergens. — Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for irritant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for irritant

Noun

Brighton sold Carlos Baleba to Manchester United in August in a deal worth up to £70m, and also losing Ayari during the summer window would have been a headache for the head coach.

— Andy Naylor, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Pay for the features that reduce headaches After 1,700 miles, that might have been the biggest lesson.

— Chris Hardesty, AJC.com, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of headache

Noun

The suits say continuous noise from data centers’ cooling systems and power generators is substantially interfering with local neighbors’ use and enjoyment of their property — a legal standard for proving a private nuisance.

— Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2026
Here are some tips for protecting shrubs from this foraging nuisance.

— Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of nuisance

Noun

The frustration within the Democratic caucus immediately prompted some calls for harsh consequences.

— Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026
The AfD was created in 2013 as a small anti-euro party before morphing into an anti-migrant force that tapped into voter frustration over immigration and the strains many Germans perceive on housing, jobs and public services.

— Erik Kirschbaum, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of frustration

Noun

People are exhausted by subscriptions, signing up for apps, logins, passwords, and other first-world annoyances that are now common in the search to watch a game on TV.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Sep. 2026
Ninety-two percent of customers expect quick responses, and the number one customer service annoyance is long wait times.

— Jason Phillips, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of annoyance

Browse Nearby Words

irritableness

irritant

irritants

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“Irritant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irritant. Accessed 17 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of irritant

noun

Example Sentences

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