irritable

adjective

ir·​ri·​ta·​ble ˈir-ə-tə-bəl How to pronounce irritable (audio)
Synonyms of irritable
: capable of being irritated: such as
a
: easily exasperated or excited
gets irritable when he tires
b
: responsive to stimuli
irritableness noun
irritably
ˈir-ə-tə-blē How to pronounce irritable (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of irritable

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Examples of irritable in a Sentence

My father is always irritable after a nap. I came home from work feeling tired and irritable.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
As the fascination with Ernetti grows into something unhealthy, Béatrice subtly grows more tired, more distracted, more irritable and desperate for answers, small changes Sellier conveys with a smart sense of restraint. — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 2 Sep. 2026 The product immediately calmed down my irritable, rosacea-prone skin while delivering intense hydration that lasted all day. — Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 31 Aug. 2026 How skipping breakfast affects kids at school Nemours KidsHealth reports that kids who miss the morning meal often feel tired, restless or irritable by midmorning. — Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Aug. 2026 Skipping meals can negatively affect blood sugar levels and leave you feeling hungry, irritable, and unable to pay attention. — Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for irritable

Word History

First Known Use

1662, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of irritable was in 1662

Phrases Containing irritable

Browse Nearby Words

irritability
irritable
irritable bowel syndrome
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Cite this Entry

“Irritable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/irritable. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

irritable

adjective
ir·​ri·​ta·​ble ˈir-ət-ə-bəl How to pronounce irritable (audio)
: capable of being irritated
especially : easily irritated
gets irritable when he's tired
irritableness noun
irritably
-blē How to pronounce irritable (audio)
adverb

Medical Definition

irritable

adjective
ir·​ri·​ta·​ble ˈir-ət-ə-bəl How to pronounce irritable (audio)
: characterized by irritability: as
a
: easily exasperated or excited
b
: responsive to stimuli
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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