as in headaches
something that is a source of irritation
the whining child was a constant irritant to his long-suffering parents
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 irritants
Exposure to other irritants, such as dust, chemicals and pollution, can also cause it.
—
Teresa Mull,
FOXNews.com,
27 June 2026
And for little ones with whose cheeks might be chafed due to diaper rash, the Sweet Cheeks Diaper Paste helps seal out wetness and irritants to protect skin.
—
Hannah Sacks,
PEOPLE,
23 June 2026
The sap contains irritants that create a blistering reaction upon contact with the skin.
—
Steve Bender,
Southern Living,
21 June 2026
Trump regularly regales audiences with his prowess as a dealmaker by recounting conversations he's had with Macron about trade irritants, mimicking Macron's responses in an exaggerated accent.
—
ABC News,
15 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
The tiny irritants Americans call chiggers are the larval stage of Trombiculidae mites.
—
Eva Flowe
june 11,
Charlotte Observer,
11 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
Kids with heavy exposure to polluted air, tobacco smoke, animal dander and other irritants may develop allergies at higher rates than others.
—
Dr. Daniel Digiacomo,
Boston Herald,
7 June 2026
Teresa Mull,
FOXNews.com,
27 June 2026
And for little ones with whose cheeks might be chafed due to diaper rash, the Sweet Cheeks Diaper Paste helps seal out wetness and irritants to protect skin.
—
Hannah Sacks,
PEOPLE,
23 June 2026
The sap contains irritants that create a blistering reaction upon contact with the skin.
—
Steve Bender,
Southern Living,
21 June 2026
Trump regularly regales audiences with his prowess as a dealmaker by recounting conversations he's had with Macron about trade irritants, mimicking Macron's responses in an exaggerated accent.
—
ABC News,
15 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
The tiny irritants Americans call chiggers are the larval stage of Trombiculidae mites.
—
Eva Flowe
june 11,
Charlotte Observer,
11 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
Kids with heavy exposure to polluted air, tobacco smoke, animal dander and other irritants may develop allergies at higher rates than others.
—
Dr. Daniel Digiacomo,
Boston Herald,
7 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for irritants
Noun
-
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.
-
Americans who have health insurance say prior authorization is the healthcare system’s biggest burden, causing administrative headaches while care is kept out of reach.
Noun
-
Besides being nuisances, many types carry diseases including West Nile virus, encephalitis, and canine heartworm.
-
If the nuisances continue at Albany Care, the city is seeking a court order to shut the facility down, separate from the state action.
Noun
-
Rewarding The Long-Term Customer One of the most common frustrations in telecom is the belief that new customers get the best deals while long-term customers are left behind.
-
Recent allegations of irregularities in government recruitment exams have only deepened frustrations among some young Indians.
Noun
-
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.
-
The match was set, and now Rhodes will defend the title against the two thorns in his side since before Clash in Italy.
Noun
-
Crying children are consistently ranked among travelers' top in-flight annoyances, which means the pressure on parents and guardians to keep little ones calm is at an all-time high at 30,000 feet.
-
From everyday disruptions to other inconveniences and (perhaps) annoyances, things pop up.
Noun
-
There have been reports that some locals are not thrilled with Lipa and Turner’s takeover of their city, which has resulted in road closures and other inconveniences.
-
From everyday disruptions to other inconveniences and (perhaps) annoyances, things pop up.
Cite this Entry
“Irritants.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irritants. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
