as in bothering
to disturb the peace of mind of (someone) especially by repeated disagreeable acts
don't let her snide put-downs and wisecracks itch you—just ignore her
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in bleeding
Related Words
Dissimilar 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 itching
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Sep. 2025
Custom motorcycle artists from across the Kansas City area and into the Midwest, itching to attend this event in the past, but could never justify or make the trip to California for the annual event, turned out in droves to show off their hard work.
—Dominick Williams, Kansas City Star, 28 Sep. 2025
Dafoe, who’d been itching to work with the Argentine filmmaker for quite some time, clearly relished the chance to make this collaboration a fruitful one.
—Manuel Betancourt, Variety, 28 Sep. 2025
Can’t stop itching your mosquito bites?
—Hannah Yasharoff, USA Today, 21 Sep. 2025
As a rising star, Redford was itching to take control of his own career.
—Peter Biskind, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2025
By then, Easy has become a viral hit, Sam has dug himself in way too deep, and Mickey is itching to show his true colors.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 12 Sep. 2025
Colts punter Rigoberto Sanchez averaged 50 yards a punt last year, and his right leg must be itching after going without a boot in Week 1.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 12 Sep. 2025
The one-two punch aims to put Republicans on notice and sends a political message to the Democrats’ liberal base — which was furious after Schumer helped usher an earlier spending bill into law — that party leaders are united, at least for a moment, and itching for a fight.
—Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
But those are guys who have been itching for their opportunity, honestly.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Sep. 2025
Custom motorcycle artists from across the Kansas City area and into the Midwest, itching to attend this event in the past, but could never justify or make the trip to California for the annual event, turned out in droves to show off their hard work.
—Dominick Williams, Kansas City Star, 28 Sep. 2025
Dafoe, who’d been itching to work with the Argentine filmmaker for quite some time, clearly relished the chance to make this collaboration a fruitful one.
—Manuel Betancourt, Variety, 28 Sep. 2025
Can’t stop itching your mosquito bites?
—Hannah Yasharoff, USA Today, 21 Sep. 2025
As a rising star, Redford was itching to take control of his own career.
—Peter Biskind, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2025
By then, Easy has become a viral hit, Sam has dug himself in way too deep, and Mickey is itching to show his true colors.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 12 Sep. 2025
Colts punter Rigoberto Sanchez averaged 50 yards a punt last year, and his right leg must be itching after going without a boot in Week 1.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 12 Sep. 2025
The one-two punch aims to put Republicans on notice and sends a political message to the Democrats’ liberal base — which was furious after Schumer helped usher an earlier spending bill into law — that party leaders are united, at least for a moment, and itching for a fight.
—Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 11 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for itching
Verb
-
The injury that will sideline Herro to begin this season is one that had been bothering him for a few months.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
29 Sep. 2025
-
Even scrambling around, his knee was bothering him.—
Michael Nowels,
Mercury News,
22 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
And in Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard’s case, a nagging calf injury will likely mean more carries for backup Rico Dowdle.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
2 Oct. 2025
-
The extensive embellishment of a score by Bobby Krlic (the English musician who records as the Haxan Cloak), drenched in moody synths and guitar, fits the tone but also adds to the nagging sense that the younger Day-Lewis’ storytelling too often mistakes padding for atmosphere.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
A lot of noise around the Chiefs The Chiefs have become a mainstay in NFL discourse by winning three Super Bowls in the Mahomes era, and annoying an endless list of fan bases with their ability to overcome the odds and rally for a late win at an unprecedented rate.—
Scott Chasen,
Kansas City Star,
21 Sep. 2025
-
The Sounders’ defenders swarmed Messi from the first minute, and midfielder Obed Vargas was particularly physical, annoying the Argentine icon time and again.—
Michelle Kaufman,
Miami Herald,
1 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Marques Brownlee, known as MKBHD on YouTube and other social media channels, has already boiled down his thoughts to a stinging verdict.—
Alex Harrington,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Sep. 2025
-
While Bernhardt praises her gifts, the French diva doesn’t hold back in her stinging criticism of the production, calling it the same old prewar Italian theater, out of touch with the times.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
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
-
Her aging stepfather knocks heads with her flawed and irritating ex-husband, who also moves into the home.—
The Know,
Denver Post,
28 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Please tell me the sequel could answer the most burning question of the ’00s: How could Austin not recognize Sam in that mask?—
Stephanie McNeal,
Glamour,
13 Aug. 2025
-
Cooper, 30, asked Hargitay one more burning question about the actors' on-screen alter egos: will Olivia and Elliot ever end up together?—
Victoria Edel,
People.com,
26 June 2025
Verb
-
The former human-rights lawyer entered on a tourist visa and filed for political asylum in October of that year, claiming the governments that succeeded Correa were persecuting him.—
Syra Ortiz Blanes,
Miami Herald,
12 Sep. 2025
-
For 25 years, Chavism has co-opted Venezuela's infrastructure for its own enrichment, persecuting journalists and opposition, wrecking the economy, and leaving its citizens in poverty.—
Kristina Foltz,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
That irritation makes the airway more twitchy, more inflamed and prone to narrow.—
Bill Frist,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
-
This loop then results in a more inflamed and damaged gut lining.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
20 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Itching.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/itching. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share