irritating 1 of 2

Definition of irritatingnext

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
Dermatologically tested and non-irritating, Coperni C+ is crafted from materials engineered to support both your skin and body, marking a bold new step in the future of functional fashion. Mecca Pryor, Essence, 6 Oct. 2025 Czuchry was both incredibly irritating and so very endearing as Rory's college boyfriend, Logan Huntzberger. Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 5 Oct. 2025
Verb
Combining three different actives (AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs) in one product without totally irritating the skin seems like an impossible task, yet Some by Mi has accomplished it with this ease. Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2025 Always dilute apple cider vinegar with water and drink through a straw to avoid damaging tooth enamel and irritating the esophagus. Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 2 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for irritating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for irritating
Adjective
  • Meynecke said his footage suggested the whales found their hangers-on annoying.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Thankfully, the best faux garlands offer the look and oftentimes feel of the real thing without the sticky sap or annoying cleanup.
    Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • There's a lot of harsh words and harsh things that get said about people.
    Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Applying it at the base of the plant before the first frost can protect the roots from harsh cold and keep the soil from freezing.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Ibrahim keeps bothering me endlessly, touching my leg and thigh.
    Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 4 Jan. 2026
  • Ask her if anything is bothering her.
    Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 24 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • The best vacuums for hardwood floors have a powerful cleaning performance without scratching or causing damage.
    Terri Williams, Architectural Digest, 6 Jan. 2026
  • That pollen can fill the air, covers cars and cement, and can start noses running, eyes watering and throats scratching.
    Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • For athletes, the C1 solves a frustrating, age-old problem.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 6 Jan. 2026
  • The reality is that traditional investigative journalism is a frequently boring and frustrating endeavor that takes a lot of time, money, and patience.
    Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Other government notices mentioned the size and rough location of the construction.
    Tamara Qiblawi, CNN Money, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Yams tend to be white fleshed with a rough, brown exterior.
    Paul Cappiello, Louisville Courier Journal, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • That thing’s been bugging on him for a while.
    Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 29 Dec. 2025
  • Then Julian dropped one of his wireless earbuds into Olympia’s purse, using it as a crude bugging device.
    Noel Murray, Vulture, 12 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • Stokes, who seldom completes a five-Test series these days, had dragged his creaking, aching body through almost five full matches of hard, hot, energy-sapping cricket, like scraping butter over too much bread, but somehow soldiering on.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Reinforcing Data Risk and Privacy Over the past three years, Jain has been using her skills as part of Meta’s anti-scraping initiative.
    Jason Phillips, USA Today, 2 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Irritating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irritating. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.

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