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 As federal agents increasingly used chemical irritants on crowds, Michael Cavlan began spending less time patrolling and more time treating people who’d been hurt. — Emily Witt, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 Carney also said that Washington viewed protections for French and Canadian culture — considered fundamental rights in Canada — as irritants to trade. — ABC News, 26 Aug. 2026 Police also say there is no evidence an MPD officer on scene deployed any irritant. — Wcco Staff, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026 For many of us, these little irritants make screen-cleaning an easy chore to remember. — Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for irritant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for irritant

Noun

Various parts of the plant have been used in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda to treat conditions including headaches, colic, dropsy, rheumatism, nervous agitation, constipation, dyspepsia, and infections of the eye and throat.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Oct. 2026
The Bruins’ biggest headache could be 6-foot-5 tight end Jamari Johnson, who caught seven passes for 159 yards against USC, particularly with all three of UCLA’s starting cornerbacks shorter than 6 feet.

— Connor Dullinger, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of headache

Noun

But a big cooler is one guest that can really crash and burn the party – a hard, bulky nuisance that's uncomfortable on or near the bed and unsecure outside the vehicle.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 10 Oct. 2026
Attorneys for the Bloomfield group have argued that the building behind the Pyles does not create a nuisance.

— Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of nuisance

Noun

The Parquet Courts frontman has launched the group Iconic Fugues with a two-pronged track that’s surely relatable to anyone who has a rose and a thorn of the past year.

— Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 8 Oct. 2026
The shrubs, ranging from deer brush to white thorn shrub, are incredibly good at resprouting, Young said.

— Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of thorn

Noun

All the women piled into Louisa’s company car are off scrambling for safety in this episode, which leads to some quality bickering between Louisa and Shirley that only their mutual annoyance with Moira can silence.

— Scott Tobias, Vulture, 7 Oct. 2026
The third season sees Ranma and fiancée Akane have to deal with old annoyances, new dangers, and even more shenanigans.

— K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of annoyance

Browse Nearby Words

irritableness

irritant

irritants

See all Nearby Words

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“Irritant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irritant. Accessed 15 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of irritant

noun

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