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
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 irritants
Others, like the zero-talent hipster artist (Zach Woods) who refers to himself as the White Basquiat, are merely inconvenient irritants standing in Becket’s way to life on easy street.
—
David Fear, Rolling Stone, 19 Feb. 2026
Taking steps to limit exposure to potential irritants like chemicals is also important.
—Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 13 Feb. 2026
Volunteers spoke of the risks of verbal and physical confrontations with ICE agents, including the use of pepper spray and other irritants against observers and even arrests.
—Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 8 Feb. 2026
This is because mold can produce irritants that bother those who have allergies, leading to sneezing, congestion, and rashes.
—Molly Burford, Southern Living, 5 Feb. 2026
The judge issued restrictions that include barring agents from using chemical irritants.
—Michael Loria, USA Today, 4 Feb. 2026
Chemical irritants affect the eyes, skin and lungs first, causing scratches to the surface of the eye, painful skin reactions, breathing difficulties and acute psychological distress.
—Michele Heisler, The Conversation, 4 Feb. 2026
Inflammation is your immune system's natural response to irritants, injuries, or infections.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 4 Feb. 2026
Have protective goggles or shatter-resistant glasses (for tear gas or irritants).
—Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 30 Jan. 2026
David Fear, Rolling Stone, 19 Feb. 2026
Taking steps to limit exposure to potential irritants like chemicals is also important.
—Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 13 Feb. 2026
Volunteers spoke of the risks of verbal and physical confrontations with ICE agents, including the use of pepper spray and other irritants against observers and even arrests.
—Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 8 Feb. 2026
This is because mold can produce irritants that bother those who have allergies, leading to sneezing, congestion, and rashes.
—Molly Burford, Southern Living, 5 Feb. 2026
The judge issued restrictions that include barring agents from using chemical irritants.
—Michael Loria, USA Today, 4 Feb. 2026
Chemical irritants affect the eyes, skin and lungs first, causing scratches to the surface of the eye, painful skin reactions, breathing difficulties and acute psychological distress.
—Michele Heisler, The Conversation, 4 Feb. 2026
Inflammation is your immune system's natural response to irritants, injuries, or infections.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 4 Feb. 2026
Have protective goggles or shatter-resistant glasses (for tear gas or irritants).
—Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for irritants
Noun
-
But the majority now rejects apps and the communication hassles and technology headaches that come with them.—
Diana Budds,
Architectural Digest,
3 Mar. 2026
-
The headaches opening outside New York City are considerably less, and goes beyond more generous margins.—
Andrea Strong,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Property owners who tolerate habitual nuisances will have to meet certain standards set by the city and pay fees to reimburse the city for enforcement resources.—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
24 Feb. 2026
-
Barry said the new penalties are being enacted to coincide with the town’s passage of new rules dealing with nuisances and stormwater issues.—
Jim Woods,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Some employees publicly expressed their frustrations.—
Hadas Gold,
CNN Money,
4 Mar. 2026
-
Some residents expressed their frustrations about the small town’s few voting locations and how the new primary voting location policies might push people away.—
From Staff Reports,
Dallas Morning News,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Lisianthus, sometimes referred to as the rose without thorns, is a favorite among florists and gardeners alike.—
Cori Sears,
The Spruce,
5 Mar. 2026
-
As a bonus, currant shrubs lack the thorns found on many other berry bushes.—
Anne Readel,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Even little annoyances take away from our ability to enjoy what life has to offer.—
Barton Goldsmith,
AJC.com,
3 Mar. 2026
-
This funky little beach town checks all the boxes for a great seaside destination, with none of the annoyances— like huge crowds and towering high rises—of more popular spots.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The venues in Beijing were mostly empty, and the teams were isolated from each other, subject to daily COVID tests and other inconveniences that put a notable damper on the experience.—
Jess Myers,
Twin Cities,
11 Feb. 2026
-
There's an affluent half of the population whose financial lives aren't disrupted by momentary inconveniences.—
Jessica Dickler,
CNBC,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Irritants.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irritants. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
