1
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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of irritate
But the idea has irritated California’s billionaire class, and some have left the state in protest or threatened to do so.
—
Catherine Odom,
Miami Herald,
29 June 2026
Morales turns another character who can be irritating into one whose lot, and whose needs, demands attention.
—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
29 June 2026
Carpet shampoos often have a strong fragrance, which can irritate those sensitive to scent.
—
Bestreviews,
Mercury News,
26 June 2026
The active ingredients in the formula include niacinamide, adenosine, and allantoin, which work together to brighten dark circles, smooth fine lines, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles without irritating sensitive skin.
—
Essence Wiley,
InStyle,
26 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for irritate
Catherine Odom,
Miami Herald,
29 June 2026
Morales turns another character who can be irritating into one whose lot, and whose needs, demands attention.
—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
29 June 2026
Carpet shampoos often have a strong fragrance, which can irritate those sensitive to scent.
—
Bestreviews,
Mercury News,
26 June 2026
The active ingredients in the formula include niacinamide, adenosine, and allantoin, which work together to brighten dark circles, smooth fine lines, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles without irritating sensitive skin.
—
Essence Wiley,
InStyle,
26 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for irritate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for irritate
Verb
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Paraguay’s tactics, seeking to frustrate and disrupt France, had annoyed Henry as well as the current team and coach.
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Others are annoyed that its ambiguous language will create confusion over how — or if — the state will enforce compliance.
Verb
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Some scratches early in this past season led to reports of Mintyukov requesting a trade, but the smooth-skating blueliner improved his play and settled in on Anaheim’s second defense pairing.
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In a game not known for high scores, the pace of goals in this World Cup has left some fans scratching their heads.
Verb
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Playing against such younger competition doesn’t bother Crawford.
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Install Fencing If all deterrents fail and snakes continue to bother you, consider installing a 2- to 3-foot fence around your property.
Verb
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When a user asked boat-botany why New Reddit isn’t scraped as often as Old Reddit, the Reddit employee pointed to a comment by another user.
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Reduce speed to low and add flour mixture in 3 additions, alternating with ⅓ cup sour cream in 2 additions (about 2½ tablespoons each), scraping down bowl as needed.
Verb
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What really bugs me about this moment, and about the battle and its aftermath, is the lack of feeling.
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The necessity of the trip at all is what's been bugging me.
Verb
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Some chafe at his habit of skipping the peer review process and bringing claims directly to the public.
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The debut novel from this English professor and pioneering feminist follows Mira, a suburban homemaker who chafes against patriarchal society, divorces her husband, enrolls in graduate school, and becomes an outspoken advocate for women’s rights.
Verb
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The Washington Principles also recognize that many sales of artwork by Jews during the Nazi era occurred while they were being persecuted, or under duress.
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Representatives of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine have been persecuted.
Verb
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The prospect of a lost season would aggravate some members of Congress and their constituents.
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Chicago police said Lance Cunningham, 24, is facing felony charges, including multiple counts of reckless homicide and aggravated DUI.
Cite this Entry
“Irritate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irritate. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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