irritating 1 of 2

irritating

2 of 2

verb

present participle of irritate
1
2
as in scratching
to make sore by continued rubbing new shoes usually irritate my feet

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 irritating
Adjective
Nor is Vance the first politician to vacation with an irritating retinue in tow. Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 15 Aug. 2025 In addition to their irritating, itchy bites, the insects can carry diseases like West Nile, which has been detected in Milwaukee County this year. Madeline Heim, jsonline.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
Wear loose, breathable clothing to avoid irritating or clogging your hair follicles. Sherri Gordon, Health, 14 Aug. 2025 The right formula should define lashes without smudging, flaking, or irritating the eyes — and offer a finish that feels softer and more natural than traditional black. Claire Sullivan, Footwear News, 12 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for irritating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for irritating
Adjective
  • Beyond that, people found the Mitfords’ very, very aristocratic accent extremely annoying.
    Mimi Pond, People.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Here's how to erase annoying scratches from hardwood floors.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Oysters inspired the researchers because of their remarkable ability to attach to rocks, bridge pilings, or even each other in the harsh underwater environment.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 13 Sep. 2025
  • But the rules of the Long Walk are harsh and the stakes could not be higher.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Lead with Gratitude and Grace Calling out someone for bothering you is always tricky.
    Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 6 Sep. 2025
  • That appeared to be a distraction at times to Anisimova, who motioned to her team in the stands that something was bothering her during ball tosses for serves.
    Howard Fendrich, Mercury News, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The cats kept them up each night with their incessant whining and scratching at their doors.
    Duaa Eldeib, ProPublica, 10 Sep. 2025
  • As a player just scratching the surface of his potential with so much still ahead of him, the coming months are critical to his hopes of landing an invite to Italy.
    Chris Johnston, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Before last season, his latent talent was obvious, but a frustrating lack of consistency meant the 28-year-old was never — until now — even included in the 30-man shortlist for the award.
    Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
  • More frustrating still is when the shoe is on the other foot.
    Bruce Tulgan, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • After their rough start to SEC play, the Razorbacks finished with an 8-10 conference record, good enough to earn a bid to the NCAA Tournament.
    Michael Harley, Arkansas Online, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Despite its rough appearance, the system helped operators better judge distance and handle tasks more precisely.
    Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • To add details, etch swooping lines around the holes by scraping away the pumpkin's outer skin to create contrast.
    Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Two games into 2025, the league’s lowest-scoring team from last year is still scraping the bottom.
    Zac Jackson, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Fortunately, there are straightforward ways to reduce your chances of being confronted with violent or disturbing videos.
    Annie Margaret, CNN Money, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Celebrating the assassination of a 31 year old father of two young kids is disturbing; that teachers would be among those who do so is completely unacceptable.
    Amy DeLaura, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Irritating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irritating. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

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