IRRITATE Synonyms: 109 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'irritate' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of irritate are exasperate , nettle , peeve , provoke , and rile . While all these words mean "to excite a feeling of anger or annoyance," irritate implies an often gradual arousing of angry feelings that may range from mere impatience to rage. // constant nagging that irritated me greatly

Q: When would 'exasperate' be a good substitute for 'irritate'?

The meanings of exasperate and irritate largely overlap; however, exasperate suggests galling annoyance and the arousing of extreme impatience. // his exasperating habit of putting off needed decisions

Q: When is 'nettle' a more appropriate choice than 'irritate'?

The words nettle and irritate can be used in similar contexts, but nettle suggests a sharp but passing annoyance or stinging. // your pompous attitude nettled several people

Q: When might 'peeve' be a better fit than 'irritate'?

While the synonyms peeve and irritate are close in meaning, peeve suggests arousing fretful often petty or querulous irritation. // a toddler peeved at being refused a cookie

Q: When could 'provoke' be used to replace 'irritate'?

The words provoke and irritate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, provoke implies an arousing of strong annoyance that may excite to action. // remarks made solely to provoke her

Q: When can 'rile' be used instead of 'irritate'?

In some situations, the words rile and irritate are roughly equivalent. However, rile implies inducing an angry or resentful agitation. // the new work schedules riled the employees

irritate

verb

ˈir-ə-ˌtāt

Definition of irritate next

as in to annoy

to disturb the peace of mind of (someone) especially by repeated disagreeable acts constant chatter irritated the student, who was trying to concentrate on a hard assignment

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to scratch

to make sore by continued rubbing new shoes usually irritate my feet

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word irritate different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of irritate are exasperate, nettle, peeve, provoke, and rile. While all these words mean "to excite a feeling of anger or annoyance," irritate implies an often gradual arousing of angry feelings that may range from mere impatience to rage.

constant nagging that irritated me greatly

When would exasperate be a good substitute for irritate?

The meanings of exasperate and irritate largely overlap; however, exasperate suggests galling annoyance and the arousing of extreme impatience.

his exasperating habit of putting off needed decisions

When is nettle a more appropriate choice than irritate?

The words nettle and irritate can be used in similar contexts, but nettle suggests a sharp but passing annoyance or stinging.

your pompous attitude nettled several people

When might peeve be a better fit than irritate?

While the synonyms peeve and irritate are close in meaning, peeve suggests arousing fretful often petty or querulous irritation.

a toddler peeved at being refused a cookie

When could provoke be used to replace irritate?

The words provoke and irritate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, provoke implies an arousing of strong annoyance that may excite to action.

remarks made solely to provoke her

When can rile be used instead of irritate?

In some situations, the words rile and irritate are roughly equivalent. However, rile implies inducing an angry or resentful agitation.

the new work schedules riled the employees

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 irritate As for makeup remover wipes, many people complain that the pre-moistened cloths often fail to remove makeup entirely and can irritate skin. —

Tatayana Yomary, Essence, 28 Jan. 2026 But for most of us and in our daily lives, epistemic trespassing is simply irritating. —

Big Think, 28 Jan. 2026 Strong HOCl concentrations or products with fragrance or additional ingredients could irritate the skin. —

Erica Sweeney, Time, 28 Jan. 2026 The texture of the material can also dictate your comfort level, as options made with smooth material won’t irritate your skin. —

Bestreviews, Mercury News, 27 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for irritate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for irritate

Verb

Betts gazed back with angst, momentarily annoyed with her coach.

— Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 7 Feb. 2026
The spa There are two swimming pools, one for families (meaning no stress for parents who worry that their children will annoy other guests, and lots of fun for the kids) and one just for adults.

— Maddalena Fossati, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Feb. 2026

Definition of annoy

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“Irritate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irritate. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 14 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of irritate

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