IRRITANTS Synonyms: 57 Similar and Opposite Words

irritants

noun

plural of irritant

as in headaches

something that is a source of irritation the whining child was a constant irritant to his long-suffering parents

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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 irritants That benefit is amplified by the addition of 2% ectoin, a protective ingredient that defends skin against external irritants (like pollutants) and internal stressors (like hormonal changes) alike. — Deanna Pai, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2026 Over time, inhaling these irritants can trigger chronic airway inflammation, irreversible lung tissue scarring, and obstructive pulmonary conditions. — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026 Avoiding scented soaps, tight clothing and other vulvar irritants may also reduce discomfort, according to the Mayo Clinic. — Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 20 Oct. 2026 Nodules can be caused by a variety of factors including scar tissue, lung irritants, inflammatory conditions, current or past infections, or cancer. — ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026 Their wavelike motion helps move around germs, mucus, dust, and other irritants so the body can dispel them via coughing or sneezing. — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 18 Sep. 2026 Use gloves to protect your hands from any potential irritants or chemicals, especially when mixing a cleaning solution. — Rabekah Henderson, Southern Living, 12 Sep. 2026 Ingredients Diaper rash creams create a protective barrier between the skin and other irritants. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 7 Sep. 2026 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for irritants

Noun

Nearsightedness in childhood can mean headaches, learning difficulties and the cost and inconvenience of glasses or contacts.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
Other areas researched include inflammation, headaches, lung function, arthritis, bone density, blood pressure and substance use.

— Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of headaches

Noun

Oliva was being held on an additional bond of $3,650 on charges of possession of a firearm while having a domestic violence injunction, willful disregard of environmental regulations and nuisances injurious to health.

— David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2026
Macomb County, Michigan Spongy moths, formerly known as gypsy moths, are an invasive insect that can damage trees and create nuisances for residents, county officials said.

— Paula Wethington, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of nuisances

Noun

Kim can allay some frustrations by doling out luxury apartments, promotions, and access to extravagant lifestyles.

— Jieun Baek, Foreign Affairs, 30 Oct. 2026
Though this influx has led to frustrations—gentrifying neighborhoods and rising prices—the arrival of more visitors and residents has also brought more opportunity.

— Mary Holland, Robb Report, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of frustrations

Noun

Stake and tie long, flexible canes to keep their thorns from injuring nearby stems, and secure climbing roses to trellises.

— Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Nov. 2026
The Butcher wins with a payment of livestock, only to find his Wicker Wife is riddled with sharp thorns.

— Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of thorns

Noun

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
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

Definition of annoyances

Noun

Surveys have repeatedly shown that Americans don't like the current clock changes, with lawmakers and physicians blaming the regular time shifts for drowsiness, inconveniences and even risks to health.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026
In addition to traditional cancellation and interruption protection, the plan includes medical coverage, emergency evacuation benefits and reimbursement for certain travel inconveniences.

— Matt Richardson, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of inconveniences

Browse Nearby Words

irritant

irritants

irritate

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“Irritants.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irritants. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of irritants

noun

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