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

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 irritants Sharks are known to rub against reefs, sand, rocks and even the seafloor to remove irritants. — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026 The signature blend of ceramides works to strengthen and support the skin’s natural barrier, which helps lock in moisture while defending against environmental irritants like pollutants and allergens. — Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 23 July 2026 After swimming, rinse dogs with fresh water to remove chlorine, salt, algae and other irritants. — Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 21 July 2026 It’s made from fabrics that are tightly woven or antimicrobial and can prevent irritants from settling into the fabric. — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 18 July 2026 Researchers documented officers tackling or pinning people to the ground and using chemical irritants, rubber bullets and tasers. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 16 July 2026 Stifling heat also can trap pollutants, smoke or other irritants, the American Lung Association said. — Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026 Doing so will increase the likelihood of heavy metal particles, which can carry lung irritants and carcinogens, being spread and inhaled. — Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026 Exposure to other irritants, such as dust, chemicals and pollution, can also cause it. — Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for irritants
  1. headaches
  2. nuisances
  3. frustrations
  4. thorns
  5. annoyances
  6. inconveniences
Noun
  • Common symptoms include fever, headaches, body aches, joint pain, rash, vomiting and diarrhea, according to the CDC.
    — Amethyst Martinez, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Others get quiet, clingy or suddenly complain of stomachaches and headaches.
    — Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of headaches
Noun
  • The Kansas City City Council approved a trio of ordinances on Thursday aimed at vacant properties that become nuisances and staving off demolition of historic buildings.
    — Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Germans often overreact to animal nuisances with complicated schemes.
    — Ben Crair, New Yorker, 31 July 2026
Definition of nuisances
Noun
  • LaFleur attributed the poor grade to players frustrations over roles and communication regarding critical feedback.
    — Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Experts say frustrations over education and employment are emerging as one of the biggest vulnerabilities for the Modi government.
    — Priyanka Salve,Raksha Murali, CNBC, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of frustrations
Noun
  • These networks used to buffer against isolation and economic displacement—the thorns of modern life that make partnership more valuable yet love more difficult to find.
    — Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Blackthorn salt was filtered through something called a tower of thorns.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 July 2026
Definition of thorns
Noun
  • These annoyances just barely prevent Hinge from dethroning our Editors' Choice winners for dating apps, Match and Tinder.
    — Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 24 July 2026
  • Liam Gallagher continued his longtime legacy of talking crap about other artists with his recap of this year’s World Cup halftime show, tweeting out various annoyances that plagued him.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 20 July 2026
Definition of annoyances
Noun
  • That said, there are some inconveniences around living on a remote island.
    — Brittany Chang, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
  • In fact, Albert Einstein's time-dilating general theory of relativity tends to be little more than an afterthought, with films highlighting the inconveniences of interstellar travel definitely in the minority.
    — Richard Edwards, Space.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of inconveniences

Browse Nearby Words

irritant
irritants
irritate
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Cite this Entry

“Irritants.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irritants. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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