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 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 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 For many of us, these little irritants make screen-cleaning an easy chore to remember. — Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 23 Aug. 2026 Police say a confrontation between the two groups happened quickly and chemical irritants were used by both sides. — Chloe Rosen, CBS News, 22 Aug. 2026 Sharks are known to rub against reefs, sand, rocks and even the seafloor to remove irritants. — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for irritants

Noun

For anyone living in a household where someone snores, wakes up with headaches or drags through the day, Jack Black’s candid podcast conversation about his CPAP machine offers a familiar reference point.

— Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 25 Sep. 2026
Long-term exposure can lead to long-term health consequences, including chronic bronchitis or asthma, inflammation of the lungs, headaches, memory loss and fatigue.

— Rebecca Smullin Dawson, The Conversation, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of headaches

Noun

Take some time to seal gaps in window and door frames with weatherproof caulk to prevent fall stink bug problems, along with roaches, boxelder bugs, cluster flies, and other nuisances.

— Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 25 Sep. 2026
Those feedings typically run afoul of associations’ governing documents and their rules and regulations due to the potential nuisances, unsanitary conditions, property damage, and liabilities that feral cats and other animals can create.

— Michael L. Hyman, Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of nuisances

Noun

Besides a necklace of thorns, which draws small drops of blood, Kahlo appears to be more focused on the relief of healing.

— Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Roses are considered non-toxic, though thorns can cause injuries and floral preservatives may still pose a risk.

— Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of thorns

Noun

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
Add in a few other clever accessories, and suddenly the small annoyances of traveling feel a lot more manageable.

— Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 20 Aug. 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 1 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of irritants

noun

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