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
Eyssimont made a name for himself with the Tampa Bay Lightning as being an irritant.
—
Fluto Shinzawa, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
Pearls, on the other hand, are made by soft-bodied mollusks in reaction to an irritant that has entered their shell.
—Caitlin Kennedy, Scientific American, 25 Apr. 2026
Then the ball was tipped, and Hyland assumed his role as an irritant of Denver’s corner shooters.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
An open window, your shoes, or even your clothing could bring in pollen or other outdoor irritants.
—Angie Hicks, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for irritant
Fluto Shinzawa, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
Pearls, on the other hand, are made by soft-bodied mollusks in reaction to an irritant that has entered their shell.
—Caitlin Kennedy, Scientific American, 25 Apr. 2026
Then the ball was tipped, and Hyland assumed his role as an irritant of Denver’s corner shooters.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
An open window, your shoes, or even your clothing could bring in pollen or other outdoor irritants.
—Angie Hicks, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for irritant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for irritant
Noun
-
People in the trial reported similar side effects to those from mRNA Covid vaccines — flu-like symptoms including chills and headaches — that only lasted a couple of days.—
Kaitlin Sullivan,
NBC news,
1 June 2026
-
That has the potential to cause real headaches for Carolina, especially with how the former two have played.—
Dom Luszczyszyn,
New York Times,
31 May 2026
Noun
-
Plaskolite was cited for causing a public nuisance, according to AQMD documents.—
Jason Henry,
Oc Register,
30 May 2026
-
When to See a Doctor For the vast majority of new parents, dry skin is a temporary, frustrating nuisance that resolves as your hormones stabilize and your body adjusts to its new rhythm.—
Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal,
Parents,
28 May 2026
Noun
-
Some have thorns or spines, others have poisonous leaves or berries, and still others have…elaborate chemical defense alarm systems?—
Regina G. Barber,
NPR,
3 June 2026
-
The eight bedrooms—four of which can be joined to make two family suites—are set far apart on a gravel pathway through the winter thorn forest (the furthest a brisk five-minute walk from the living area).—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
Teachers, nurses and doctors across the country regularly sound alarms about being overworked and underfunded, and many end up leaving their public jobs in frustration at impossible conditions.—
Ola Morris Innset,
The Dial,
2 June 2026
-
Big Pharma is betting that its messaging machine can outlast public frustration — lawmakers should call their bluff.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
There is boredom, and annoyance with this passive, oblivious little girl.—
Deborah Treisman,
New Yorker,
1 June 2026
-
Cepeda had previously avoided being roped into a public debate, much to the annoyance of his rivals.—
Catherine Ellis,
Miami Herald,
1 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Irritant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irritant. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.
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