IRRITANT Synonyms: 56 Similar and Opposite Words

irritant

noun

ˈir-ə-tənt

Definition of irritant

as in headache

something that is a source of irritation the whining child was a constant irritant to his long-suffering parents

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 irritant Sharks are known to rub against reefs, sand, rocks and even the seafloor to remove irritants. — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026 Powder emitted from an airbag deployment in Hampton’s car could have been an irritant to Hampton’s eyes, Brissette suggested. — Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 July 2026 The signature blend of ceramides works to strengthen and support the skin’s natural barrier, which helps lock in moisture while defending against environmental irritants like pollutants and allergens. — Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 23 July 2026 After swimming, rinse dogs with fresh water to remove chlorine, salt, algae and other irritants. — Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for irritant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for irritant

Noun

West Nile symptoms A full 80% of those infected may not show symptoms, but 20% have flu-like symptoms, such as a fever with headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, rash or fatigue.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 4 Sep. 2026
Cole Burston / Getty Images With so many clubs still in the mix, even scoreboard watching can induce a headache.

— Zack Meisel, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of headache

Noun

In March, a Jackson County judge ordered Millennia to board up the property and fix those nuisances.

— Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026
The number of bears killed by motor vehicle strikes, euthanized as nuisances because of conflicts with humans or poached in the Central Florida region over the past decade total about 1,900.

— Stephen Hudak, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of nuisance

Noun

Acceptance moves you out of frustration and into a place of proactivity.

— R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
Troops in this area have sustained heavy casualties in battles with the regional Islamic State affiliate, and analysts and security sources say frustration with the government is mounting within frontline units.

— Reuters, NBC news, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of frustration

Noun

But administrative burdens are a technology of annoyance, degradation, discrimination, and needless extraction.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026
That information sticks together, and companies use it to build a profile of you for marketing, selling, and general annoyance.

— K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of annoyance

Browse Nearby Words

irritableness

irritant

irritants

See all Nearby Words

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Style

“Irritant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irritant. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of irritant

noun

Example Sentences

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