as in to annoy
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in headache
something that is a source of irritation
one of the prof's major irks is a cell phone that rings during a lecture
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 irk
Tom Bogert,
New York Times,
16 June 2026
Even supporters of the president’s architectural ethos have been irked by his demolition of White House’s East Wing to make room for the party space.
—
Oscar Holland,
CNN Money,
12 June 2026
Fox spoke at the Spurs’ shootaround on Monday, where he was admittedly irked about his usual routine being changed.
—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
9 June 2026
The move irked Series 9 owners, who wondered why Apple dropped support, especially since iOS 27 (and watchOS 27) will be available for iPhones going back to 2019's iPhone 11.
—
Michael Kan,
PC Magazine,
8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for irk
Verb
Underpinning it all, and a big part of why Grella’s words touched a raw nerve, is a spiky rivalry between the two sporting nations that carries some angst and underdog annoyance, and has the Australian public and national team genuinely irked.
—
Tom Bogert,
New York Times,
16 June 2026
Even supporters of the president’s architectural ethos have been irked by his demolition of White House’s East Wing to make room for the party space.
—
Oscar Holland,
CNN Money,
12 June 2026
Fox spoke at the Spurs’ shootaround on Monday, where he was admittedly irked about his usual routine being changed.
—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
9 June 2026
The move irked Series 9 owners, who wondered why Apple dropped support, especially since iOS 27 (and watchOS 27) will be available for iPhones going back to 2019's iPhone 11.
—
Michael Kan,
PC Magazine,
8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for irk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for irk
Verb
-
Damian used to get annoyed with his father's motivational chats about responsibility.
-
Three hours before the parade is set to begin, paradegoers are already annoyed at the disorganization and slow-moving lines.
Noun
-
Intense exercise on a sizzling day can lead to extreme fatigue, impaired performance, headache, irritability, nausea, dizziness, cramping and dehydration, all symptoms of exertional heat illness.
-
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome causes fatigue, fever, muscle aches, abdominal problems, headaches, chills and dizziness in the early stages, and late symptoms include chest tightness, coughing, shortness of breath and lungs filling with fluid.
Verb
-
For all the chatter about his choices in handbags, Haaland doesn’t seem remotely bothered.
-
What bothers me is the foot-dragging, the spinning in circles, the slow degradation of these characters into annoying stereotypes.
Noun
-
And to add insult to social and cultural injury, the new policies also present a logistical nuisance.
-
In New York, night clubs were sometimes regarded as a civic nuisance; one obstacle was the city’s cabaret law, from 1926, which required bars to obtain a special permit if patrons were dancing and was not fully repealed until 2017.
Verb
-
But for those who just want to grab a bite or see a movie at the IMAX theater, the security protocol is an additional — possibly irritating — barrier.
-
Carpet shampoos often have a strong fragrance, which can irritate those sensitive to scent.
Noun
-
Yamal was a thorn in Saudi Arabia’s side, drifting infield to unleash shots from distance but also peppering the penalty area with wicked deliveries from the right flank.
-
An individual bush can grow up to 15 feet high and 40 feet long, with thick stems, also known as canes, marked by sharp, hooked thorns.
Verb
-
What really bugs me about this moment, and about the battle and its aftermath, is the lack of feeling.
-
The necessity of the trip at all is what's been bugging me.
Noun
-
This would let traffic flow, which is so necessary for the vitality and economy of Chicago; provide a safer route for bikers; and ease the frustration of all of those on the streets of Chicago.
-
Spence also appears to be absorbing the blame for broader failures, with Thomas Tuchel’s touchline frustrations obvious and — for a player still establishing himself at this level — that scrutiny is unlikely to help.
Cite this Entry
“Irk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irk. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
