irritating 1 of 2

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
In place of intense (and potentially irritating) acids, Mediheal's Madecassoside Blemish Pads target breakouts and breakout-causing bacteria with anti-inflammatory powerhouses madecassoside and cica. Sarah Han, Allure, 25 Apr. 2025 As the protagonist/antihero, audiences meet everyone through his eyes (and imperious narration) — and in his view, most people are shallow and irritating, especially the residents of Madre Linda. Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
Avoid Chewy Foods Chewy or crunchy foods can be irritating for people with bruxism. Carrie Madormo, Rn, Mph, Verywell Health, 26 Mar. 2025 Ingredients could have broken down into irritating chemicals once past their expiration date or there could be bacteria and yeast growing in the product, which could lead to infection and forms of skin irritation such as bumps and rashes. Audrey Noble, Vogue, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for irritating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for irritating
Adjective
  • That’s frustrating – to come so close to reaching the summit and miss out by just one space is annoying.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
  • That can be annoying, but NotebookLM is not—this one actually works.
    Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 2 May 2025
Adjective
  • From adorable accents to cozy touches, drivers are increasingly looking for ways to make their commutes and grocery runs just a bit more enjoyable—perhaps to offset the harsh reality of gas prices (and everything else).
    Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 May 2025
  • Avoid harsh products: Soaps, lotions, and products with fragrance, alcohol, or dyes can dry out the skin and worsen atopic dermatitis.
    Health, Health, 11 May 2025
Verb
  • Rodin Cars The big idea behind Rodin is to build cars without bothering about vehicle regulations – in stark contrast to F1 cars, which are subject to several rules around how they're put together.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Jan. 2025
  • The city and state have also been ramping up efforts to engage troubled vagrants sleeping and sometimes bothering straphangers, connecting them with services and shelter and potentially involuntary treatment.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 27 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Similar to a sheet pan, whole meals can be built in a Dutch oven, scratching that same itch for convenience and less clean up.
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 23 Dec. 2024
  • But that’s just scratching the surface – addressing only the symptoms of the underlying challenges and only addressing them at the end of the SDLC process.
    Jeremy Vaughan, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Technical glitches and changing rules are frustrating borrowers trying to plan.
    Shahar Ziv, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
  • Cleveland head coach Kenny Atkinson spoke about the frustrating Game 2 loss, revealing a big regret that led to the defeat.
    Matt Levine, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • However, there are some plants that are less appealing to animals, such as those with pungent scents, fuzzy leaves, prickly or rough foliage, or a bitter taste.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 10 May 2025
  • Its new pricing could be an effort to attract American car buyers after rough Q1.
    Charles Singh, USA Today, 10 May 2025
Verb
  • Helped by the transaxle layout, the massive power gains, and sublime styling inside and out, the Vantage also requires less of the sacrifices dictated by low-slung mid-engine supercars that demand constant vigilance to avoid scraping on speed bumps, rough canyon roads, or driveways.
    Michael Teo Van Runkle, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2024
  • The scraping sensations shouldn't be painful but may feel slightly uncomfortable.
    Carley Millhone, Health, 27 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The lack of caring about my childhood was so disturbing.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Instead, this is yet another disturbing reminder that our society values certain lives more than others.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Irritating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irritating. Accessed 14 May. 2025.

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