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
There’s never been a more irritating trio of possible playoff opponents than Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler and Dan Hayes. Aaron Gleeman, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025 Waking up to a bird squawking in the middle of the night– well that’s just irritating. Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
Avoid Chewy Foods Chewy or crunchy foods can be irritating for people with bruxism. Carrie Madormo, Rn, Mph, Verywell Health, 26 Mar. 2025 Ingredients could have broken down into irritating chemicals once past their expiration date or there could be bacteria and yeast growing in the product, which could lead to infection and forms of skin irritation such as bumps and rashes. Audrey Noble, Vogue, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for irritating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for irritating
Adjective
  • But if Hereditary and Midsommar got under the skin with genuinely scary storytelling and startling imagery and Beau is Afraid was equal parts squirmy and maddening, Eddington is just annoying and empty.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2025
  • This is Palace’s’ Comments R Rob M. · 6h 41m ago Listened to the pod (with the annoying ads but that's been flagged on the pod comments).
    The Athletic FC Podcast, New York Times, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • More precipitation in these locations could make up for the harsh cold season.
    Jordan-Marie Smith, NPR, 11 May 2025
  • The team opened the year with some question marks at third base and those questions have persisted after a harsh injury to Jazz Chisholm Jr. Chisholm landed on the injured list earlier this month after suffering a high-grade strain to his right oblique.
    Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 May 2025
Verb
  • Rodin Cars The big idea behind Rodin is to build cars without bothering about vehicle regulations – in stark contrast to F1 cars, which are subject to several rules around how they're put together.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Jan. 2025
  • The city and state have also been ramping up efforts to engage troubled vagrants sleeping and sometimes bothering straphangers, connecting them with services and shelter and potentially involuntary treatment.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 27 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Similar to a sheet pan, whole meals can be built in a Dutch oven, scratching that same itch for convenience and less clean up.
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 23 Dec. 2024
  • But that’s just scratching the surface – addressing only the symptoms of the underlying challenges and only addressing them at the end of the SDLC process.
    Jeremy Vaughan, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Technical glitches and changing rules are frustrating borrowers trying to plan.
    Shahar Ziv, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
  • Cleveland head coach Kenny Atkinson spoke about the frustrating Game 2 loss, revealing a big regret that led to the defeat.
    Matt Levine, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • However, there are some plants that are less appealing to animals, such as those with pungent scents, fuzzy leaves, prickly or rough foliage, or a bitter taste.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 10 May 2025
  • Its new pricing could be an effort to attract American car buyers after rough Q1.
    Charles Singh, USA Today, 10 May 2025
Verb
  • Helped by the transaxle layout, the massive power gains, and sublime styling inside and out, the Vantage also requires less of the sacrifices dictated by low-slung mid-engine supercars that demand constant vigilance to avoid scraping on speed bumps, rough canyon roads, or driveways.
    Michael Teo Van Runkle, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2024
  • The scraping sensations shouldn't be painful but may feel slightly uncomfortable.
    Carley Millhone, Health, 27 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Proponents have long invoked civil rights language to promote vouchers, a disturbing rhetorical choice given vouchers originated as a tool for southern white parents to avoid the Supreme Court's desegregation order in Brown v. Board of Education.
    Kevin Sabet, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
  • Actress Isabella Rossellini reflects on the film’s disturbing material and autobiographical elements while resisting reductive interpretations.
    Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Irritating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irritating. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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