1
as in to annoy
to disturb the peace of mind of (someone) especially by repeated disagreeable acts
constant chatter irritated the student, who was trying to concentrate on a hard assignment
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of irritate
If someone is in your life long enough, they’re bound to do something that irritates you—and you’re bound to do something that irritates them.
—
Olga Khazan,
The Atlantic,
15 June 2026
But one snafu irritated a sizable portion of the more than 3,000 students gathered at Arie Crown Theater to hear the astronauts discuss their mission.
—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
14 June 2026
Health officials say the gas can irritate the eyes, nose and throat and may be especially troublesome for people with asthma and other respiratory conditions.
—
Kelly McGreal,
FOXNews.com,
13 June 2026
How to avoid chiggers Aside from the potential risk of anaphylactic allergy and severe illness, chiggers are, well, irritating.
—
Eva Flowe
june 11,
Charlotte Observer,
11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for irritate
Olga Khazan,
The Atlantic,
15 June 2026
But one snafu irritated a sizable portion of the more than 3,000 students gathered at Arie Crown Theater to hear the astronauts discuss their mission.
—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
14 June 2026
Health officials say the gas can irritate the eyes, nose and throat and may be especially troublesome for people with asthma and other respiratory conditions.
—
Kelly McGreal,
FOXNews.com,
13 June 2026
How to avoid chiggers Aside from the potential risk of anaphylactic allergy and severe illness, chiggers are, well, irritating.
—
Eva Flowe
june 11,
Charlotte Observer,
11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for irritate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for irritate
Verb
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Damian used to get annoyed with his father's motivational chats about responsibility.
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Three hours before the parade is set to begin, paradegoers are already annoyed at the disorganization and slow-moving lines.
Verb
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And these only scratch the surface of his accomplishments.
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Even young raccoons can bite or scratch when frightened, and wild animals can carry parasites and diseases, says Rakestraw.
Verb
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While some of the wives wouldn’t bother coming to games every Sunday, Michel said, many of the children saw the Feeney fathers as proper heroes.
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His pace routinely bothered Sweden, including on one impressive solo run in the first half that produced a quality attacking scenario.
Verb
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But this adjustable Oxo measuring cup will save you time that would otherwise be spent scraping every last bit of peanut butter from the measuring cup.
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Colombia needed a 76th-minute goal from Crystal Palace standout Daniel Muñoz to scrape past the DRC, but that goal pushed the team into first place in the group.
Verb
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The necessity of the trip at all is what's been bugging me.
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His doctor had been bugging him for years to get a colonoscopy because of his age, but Driggers declined.
Verb
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Except half the time, those cute sandals rub, chafe, and leave my feet aching.
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Afterward, he was asked about race and politics almost exclusively, a narrowing of his work that often chafed.
Verb
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Supporting people who have too often been, and continue to be, persecuted and othered would be a direct way to address the suffering.
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It's partially inspired by director Benjamin Christensen's research on the German text Malleus Maleficarum, a guide to witchcraft for inquisitors looking to persecute its perpetrators.
Verb
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Their drama is already stale, and between Nathan’s touchiness and Joe’s mistreatment of women, their fight over who is a better guy, a better seaman, a better worker, a better boyfriend is disengaging at best and aggravating at worst.
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Certain movements may aggravate the pain, such as, oh, swinging a golf club.
Cite this Entry
“Irritate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irritate. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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