IRKED Synonyms: 159 Similar and Opposite Words

irked 1 of 2

adjective

as in annoyed

subjected to and reacting with irritation irked drivers were honking and shouting at the cows in the road

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irked

2 of 2

verb

past tense of irk

as in bothered

to disturb the peace of mind of (someone) especially by repeated disagreeable acts she irked her friend by chewing her gum loudly during the movie

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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 irked

Verb

However, the same creative freedom that initially irked Madison actually intrigued White. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026 The perception surely irked a man who was just following organizational advice, but Claire never backed down from his role in the deal. — Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026 But the ones that irked Cristobal the most came before plays even began. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 28 Sep. 2026 But Trinity's focus on its bottom line also irked many Republicans, including Mantello, who was the City Council president at the time. — Noam Levey, NPR, 1 Sep. 2026 Every president since there have been broadcasters has had reason to be irked by them, both radio and television. — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 24 Aug. 2026 If customers have been irked about the thumb-twiddling wait or early closing hours, most aren’t complaining. — Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 18 Aug. 2026 Baldur is more circumspect, irked at having temporarily lost his boat in the mishap, and unsettled by Helge’s teasing manner, which could be interpreted as either adversarial or flirtatious. — Dennis Harvey, Variety, 26 July 2026 The company behind the disk space analyzer TreeSize has irked some users by no longer offering support or updates for perpetual licenses beyond their maintenance period unless customers subscribe. — Scharon Harding, ArsTechnica, 21 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for irked

Adjective

Yamamoto also seemed annoyed that his catcher could be letting his batting woes affect his work behind the plate.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
But instead of reciprocating, Ebersol looked suddenly annoyed.

— Blake J. Harris, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of annoyed

Adjective

In fact, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)'s website suggests that sunscreens containing silicones might be a good alternative for people with rosacea who tend to get irritated skin after application.

— Tracy Middleton, Allure, 19 Oct. 2026
According to the Cleveland Clinic, among the dangers of vaping are addiction to nicotine, asthma, cancer, lung scarring, coughing, shortness of breath and a dry/irritated mouth and throat.

— Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of irritated

Verb

And as the team moved into the couple’s guest house on their San Diego rental property, the filmmakers feared that the home was bugged and ordered a device to try to de-bug it, without success.

— Kirsten Chuba, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2026
He’s bugged Jay — the two met online and married two years ago before opening their first restaurant last year — to make sure that includes his crispy duck panang curry.

— Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of bugged

Adjective

The dispute could present a problem for Raman, who rode DSA support to an upset City Council victory in 2020 but has since frustrated some DSA members with her positions on policing, housing development, and Israel.

— Maxwell Adler, Vanity Fair, 19 Oct. 2026
With the upset win over the Ravens, Cleveland moves to 4-2 and into a tie with Baltimore and Pittsburgh.

— Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of upset

Verb

Those governments provide assurances that people won’t be persecuted or tortured, federal attorneys said.

— Lindsay Whitehurst, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026
Also, some immigration cases involve people seeking asylum because they are being persecuted by a foreign government and releasing a person’s full name could be considered sensitive or even dangerous.

— Laura Tillman, Hartford Courant, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of persecuted

Adjective

Ultron’s philosophical snarkiness and jaded, exasperated air from Age of Ultron carry over here.

— Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2026
The photos went viral and inspired memes, with social media users joking that Affleck's exasperated expression summed up the frustrations of 2020.

— Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of exasperated

Adjective

Protests by high school students angry about dilapidated, understaffed schools have roiled France since mid-September.

— JOHN LEICESTER, Arkansas Online, 15 Oct. 2026
Keeping The Faith So all’s well that ends well, and frantic, for Halfway 2 Jesus, Rock’s 13th album and the follow-up to 2022’s angry, politically charged Bad Reputation.

— Gary Graff, Billboard, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of angry

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“Irked.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irked. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of irked

adjective

verb

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