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 Exposure to other irritants, such as dust, chemicals and pollution, can also cause it. — Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2026 And for little ones with whose cheeks might be chafed due to diaper rash, the Sweet Cheeks Diaper Paste helps seal out wetness and irritants to protect skin. — Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 23 June 2026 The sap contains irritants that create a blistering reaction upon contact with the skin. — Steve Bender, Southern Living, 21 June 2026 Trump regularly regales audiences with his prowess as a dealmaker by recounting conversations he's had with Macron about trade irritants, mimicking Macron's responses in an exaggerated accent. — ABC News, 15 June 2026 Chemicals from the fire include respiratory irritants, toxic gases, carcinogens and at least one neurotoxin, according to the San Joaquin County Office of Emergency Services. — Brandon Downs, CBS News, 12 June 2026 The tiny irritants Americans call chiggers are the larval stage of Trombiculidae mites. — Eva Flowe june 11, Charlotte Observer, 11 June 2026 Vaginal and intimate health issues affect millions of women, often exacerbated by conventional products containing irritants, hormonal changes, menopause, cancer treatments, or imbalances in the vaginal microbiome. — Tanya Akim, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026 Kids with heavy exposure to polluted air, tobacco smoke, animal dander and other irritants may develop allergies at higher rates than others. — Dr. Daniel Digiacomo, Boston Herald, 7 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for irritants

Noun

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome causes fatigue, fever, muscle aches, abdominal problems, headaches, chills and dizziness in the early stages, and late symptoms include chest tightness, coughing, shortness of breath and lungs filling with fluid.

— Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Americans who have health insurance say prior authorization is the healthcare system’s biggest burden, causing administrative headaches while care is kept out of reach.

— Miranda Yaver, The Conversation, 2 July 2026

Definition of headaches

Noun

Besides being nuisances, many types carry diseases including West Nile virus, encephalitis, and canine heartworm.

— Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 3 July 2026
If the nuisances continue at Albany Care, the city is seeking a court order to shut the facility down, separate from the state action.

— Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2026

Definition of nuisances

Noun

Rewarding The Long-Term Customer One of the most common frustrations in telecom is the belief that new customers get the best deals while long-term customers are left behind.

— Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Recent allegations of irregularities in government recruitment exams have only deepened frustrations among some young Indians.

— Ayushi Shah, CNN Money, 4 July 2026

Definition of frustrations

Noun

An individual bush can grow up to 15 feet high and 40 feet long, with thick stems, also known as canes, marked by sharp, hooked thorns.

— The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 25 June 2026
The match was set, and now Rhodes will defend the title against the two thorns in his side since before Clash in Italy.

— Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2026

Definition of thorns

Noun

Everyday annoyances add up fast, but fixing them doesn’t have to break the bank.

— Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 July 2026
But at that point, the headlines were still focused on relatively benign annoyances like car engines conking out, or a bridge getting stuck on Roosevelt Road.

— Adam Harrington, CBS News, 1 July 2026

Definition of annoyances

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 11 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of irritants

noun

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