as in headache
something that is a source of irritation
the whining child was a constant irritant to his long-suffering parents
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of irritant
Eyssimont made a name for himself with the Tampa Bay Lightning as being an irritant.
—
Fluto Shinzawa, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
Pearls, on the other hand, are made by soft-bodied mollusks in reaction to an irritant that has entered their shell.
—Caitlin Kennedy, Scientific American, 25 Apr. 2026
Then the ball was tipped, and Hyland assumed his role as an irritant of Denver’s corner shooters.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
An open window, your shoes, or even your clothing could bring in pollen or other outdoor irritants.
—Angie Hicks, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for irritant
Fluto Shinzawa, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
Pearls, on the other hand, are made by soft-bodied mollusks in reaction to an irritant that has entered their shell.
—Caitlin Kennedy, Scientific American, 25 Apr. 2026
Then the ball was tipped, and Hyland assumed his role as an irritant of Denver’s corner shooters.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
An open window, your shoes, or even your clothing could bring in pollen or other outdoor irritants.
—Angie Hicks, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for irritant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for irritant
Noun
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Pilgrims describe Hajj as a once-in-a-lifetime obligation that transcends politics, justifying high costs, logistical headaches and security fears.—
Mariam Fam,
Los Angeles Times,
24 May 2026
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Inhaling that vapor can cause damage, including irritation to the eyes and nose, respiratory tract and lungs, bringing on symptoms like sore throats, runny noses, itching and burning eyes, dizziness, headaches and nausea.—
Sierra van der Brug,
Oc Register,
23 May 2026
Noun
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Plaskolite was cited for causing a public nuisance, according to AQMD documents.—
Jason Henry,
Oc Register,
30 May 2026
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When to See a Doctor For the vast majority of new parents, dry skin is a temporary, frustrating nuisance that resolves as your hormones stabilize and your body adjusts to its new rhythm.—
Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal,
Parents,
28 May 2026
Noun
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Other diamonds have spikier settings resembling thorns.—
Samantha Conti,
Footwear News,
27 May 2026
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Even with Wembanyama’s greatness, this series might come down to Castle’s ability to be a thorn for the two-time MVP.—
Marcus Thompson II,
New York Times,
22 May 2026
Noun
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Footage of the game then showed George hobbling back to the dugout, slamming his helmet in frustration.—
Fabian Ardaya,
New York Times,
27 May 2026
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Then came a second, minor concussion in the Broncos’ wild-card matchup against the Bills, with Bryant trudging to the locker room in frustration after a monster opening quarter.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
26 May 2026
Noun
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Her annoyance about that has led tennis tournaments to consider their strategy for the behind-the-scenes video that serves as catnip for fans.—
Matthew Futterman,
New York Times,
26 May 2026
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The best affordable pet products are ones that solve everyday annoyances—like odor, shedding, scratch damage, messy mealtimes or anxious behaviors.—
Kasey Caminiti,
USA Today,
25 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Irritant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irritant. Accessed 30 May. 2026.
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