as in headache
something that is a source of irritation
the whining child was a constant irritant to his long-suffering parents
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of irritant
The sap contains irritants that create a blistering reaction upon contact with the skin.
—
Steve Bender,
Southern Living,
21 June 2026
Jeremiah Moore was an irritant to the Crown.
—
Michael Luo,
New Yorker,
14 June 2026
Chemicals from the fire include respiratory irritants, toxic gases, carcinogens and at least one neurotoxin, according to the San Joaquin County Office of Emergency Services.
—
Brandon Downs,
CBS News,
12 June 2026
Vaginal and intimate health issues affect millions of women, often exacerbated by conventional products containing irritants, hormonal changes, menopause, cancer treatments, or imbalances in the vaginal microbiome.
—
Tanya Akim,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for irritant
Steve Bender,
Southern Living,
21 June 2026
Jeremiah Moore was an irritant to the Crown.
—
Michael Luo,
New Yorker,
14 June 2026
Chemicals from the fire include respiratory irritants, toxic gases, carcinogens and at least one neurotoxin, according to the San Joaquin County Office of Emergency Services.
—
Brandon Downs,
CBS News,
12 June 2026
Vaginal and intimate health issues affect millions of women, often exacerbated by conventional products containing irritants, hormonal changes, menopause, cancer treatments, or imbalances in the vaginal microbiome.
—
Tanya Akim,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for irritant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for irritant
Noun
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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.
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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.
Noun
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And to add insult to social and cultural injury, the new policies also present a logistical nuisance.
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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.
Noun
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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.
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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.
Noun
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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.
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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.
Noun
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Friedland describes the ritual with the mixture of reverence and annoyance that marks many of his best observations.
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Game changer, annoyance, or something in between?
Cite this Entry
“Irritant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irritant. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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