irritating 1 of 2

Definition of irritatingnext

irritating

2 of 2

verb

present participle of irritate
1
2
as in scratching
to make sore by continued rubbing new shoes usually irritate my feet

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 irritating
Adjective
Lukewarm water is much less irritating to your skin barrier. Charlotte Observer, 22 June 2026 The post carried neither hereditary title nor extraordinary fortune, and yet it was regarded with a degree of respect that many noble families found faintly irritating. Adam Kirsch, The Atlantic, 15 June 2026
Verb
Romantic conversations could also be witty and exciting, but mixed signals or competitive banter could be irritating. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026 Residents have been advised that the smoke may be irritating, especially for groups who are sensitive to air quality. Austin Turner, CBS News, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for irritating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for irritating
Adjective
  • This is a realm of exposition-heavy opening credits, relentlessly earwormy theme tunes, and heroes who, for no obvious reason, choose to hang out with cute/annoying [delete as appropriate] comedy sidekicks like Orko and Snarf.
    Richard Edwards, Space.com, 5 July 2026
  • This would have evoked annoying memories of the 0-0 draw against Morocco in 2022 and 1-1 draw with Russia in 2018 for Spain.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 5 July 2026
Adjective
  • White settlers and frontier pioneers built vast, fenceless cattle stations, battling harsh environments and disease, embracing a hard-living culture that exists to this day.
    Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
  • Dish Soap Using harsh chemicals on the outside of your toilet bowl and fixtures is not recommended, according to Meagher.
    Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 4 July 2026
Verb
  • Travis was snapped having a blast bothering Jason as the duo attended a match between Jupiter Links GC and The Bay Golf Club at SoFi Center on March 3.
    Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026
  • For now, the Royals hope to figure out exactly what’s bothering him.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • In a game not known for high scores, the pace of goals in this World Cup has left some fans scratching their heads.
    Ashley Mowreader, NBC news, 3 July 2026
  • In April, when Rojas got news that his father had been rushed to the hospital, Roberts quickly took the decision on whether to play out of Rojas’ hands, scratching him from the lineup.
    Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2026
Adjective
  • Two months after another frustrating playoff finish, the 76ers now look ahead with a reasonable expectation to be among the conference favorites next season.
    Tim Casey, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • Residents said the latest delay is especially frustrating because the pool also remained closed for much of last summer after a water line ruptured while it was being filled.
    Hannah Kliger, CBS News, 2 July 2026
Adjective
  • Mariana is not pleased to hear this, and he's got some rough-looking dudes with him.
    Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • Dual suspension helps smooth rough trails, hydraulic disc brakes provide dependable stopping power in changing conditions, and four-inch fat tires improve traction across gravel, dirt, sand, and pavement.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • The necessity of the trip at all is what's been bugging me.
    Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 12 June 2026
  • His doctor had been bugging him for years to get a colonoscopy because of his age, but Driggers declined.
    The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2026
Verb
  • 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.
    ABC News, ABC News, 29 June 2026
  • Meanwhile the servers strain under the weight of AI companies scraping the encyclopedia in bulk, on a roughly $180 million annual budget funded mostly by donations of between two and eleven dollars.
    Afdhel Aziz, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Irritating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irritating. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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