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
Relevance
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
Protective goggles or shatter-resistant glasses (for tear gas or irritants).
—
Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Do not apply perfumes, deodorants, or other possible irritants before the procedure.
—Sherri Gordon, Health, 27 Aug. 2025
This cleanser helps to restore and maintain the skin's protective function, keeping moisture in and irritants out.
—Nora Colomer
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 4 Aug. 2025
Liquid irritants, including chemicals, can also cause sharp pain in your eye.
—Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for irritant
Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Do not apply perfumes, deodorants, or other possible irritants before the procedure.
—Sherri Gordon, Health, 27 Aug. 2025
This cleanser helps to restore and maintain the skin's protective function, keeping moisture in and irritants out.
—Nora Colomer
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 4 Aug. 2025
Liquid irritants, including chemicals, can also cause sharp pain in your eye.
—Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for irritant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for irritant
Noun
-
The fight over transit funding is just one part of a bigger headache—Pennsylvania’s budget is more than nine weeks late.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
4 Sep. 2025
-
Symptoms of Chagas disease include fever, fatigue, body aches, headache, rash, loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, and eyelid swelling.—
Jasmine Laws,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Couples who respect yellow lights tend to build trust, because hesitation is treated as valuable input, not as a nuisance.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
-
In this era of college athletics what was once a nuisance and an annoyance — college classes — now often appear to not even be a part of the equation.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
1 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Primus has expressed skepticism about rail mergers and would likely have been a thorn in the side of this rail merger.—
Jeremy Lott,
The Washington Examiner,
5 Sep. 2025
-
The Angels pulled out a 4-3 victory as Jo Adell remained a thorn in the Royals’ side.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
As the Supreme Court increasingly shows frustration with the overreach of lower court judges, the justices could be motivated to take up cases more quickly on matters where lower courts are ignoring their emergency docket orders, such as with the firing of independent agency heads.—
Jack Birle,
The Washington Examiner,
4 Sep. 2025
-
Advocates expressed frustration, emphasizing the need for comfortable and safe air travel for all passengers.—
Zach Wichter,
USA Today,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Minor annoyances suddenly widen into a chasm neither can cross.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
Time,
29 Aug. 2025
-
It is reported that the noise disturbance/movement noise/furniture being dragged and doors slammed is coming from your property and is causing a nuisance and annoyance to other residents and stopping peaceful enjoyment and/or rest.—
Soo Kim,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Irritant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irritant. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share