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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
When exposed to the scalp's surface, sebum becomes chemically altered in ways that can irritate the scalp.
—
Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 12 Feb. 2025
Best Overall: Olay Super Serum Pros Good for a range of skin concerns
Under $40
Immediately improves skin’s appearance
Cons
Contains fragrance that might irritate sensitive skin
This 2024 Healthy Beauty Award winner is a bit of a skin care Swiss Army knife.
—Sara Coughlin, SELF, 5 Feb. 2025
Some dry shampoo products contain ingredients that can irritate the skin or cause other health concerns.
—Sherri Gordon, Health, 3 Feb. 2025
The greasier the better, Chen says (but people with sensitive skin should avoid olive oil, which can be irritating).
—Matt Fuchs, TIME, 6 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for irritate
Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 12 Feb. 2025
Best Overall: Olay Super Serum Pros Good for a range of skin concerns
Under $40
Immediately improves skin’s appearance
Cons
Contains fragrance that might irritate sensitive skin
This 2024 Healthy Beauty Award winner is a bit of a skin care Swiss Army knife.
—Sara Coughlin, SELF, 5 Feb. 2025
Some dry shampoo products contain ingredients that can irritate the skin or cause other health concerns.
—Sherri Gordon, Health, 3 Feb. 2025
The greasier the better, Chen says (but people with sensitive skin should avoid olive oil, which can be irritating).
—Matt Fuchs, TIME, 6 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for irritate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for irritate
Verb
-
He's heard perhaps the university chancellor at the time of the formula's creation annoyed the wrong person, and UW-Whitewater has been shorted ever since.—
Kelly Meyerhofer,
Journal Sentinel,
19 Feb. 2025
-
There was nothing quite like watching Ted win the hearts of everyone around him, from the woman who literally set him up to fail, Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham) to the ready-to-retire and always annoyed Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein).—
EW.com,
EW.com,
19 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Ava flashes scratches on her forearm, courtesy of Isabella’s fingernails.—
San Diego Union-Tribune,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
22 Feb. 2025
-
So was Kyle Connor, who was scratched on Thursday for Chris Kreider, who played a second straight game.—
Michael Russo,
The Athletic,
21 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
He is also bothered that the revenue is going to transit and the toll is not geared solely to curbing traffic.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
20 Feb. 2025
-
Darvish, who was with the Dodgers, said then and now that he was not bothered by the incident, for which Gurriel served a five-game suspension in 2018.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
When the piece is over, my friend scrapes her bow down the strings, and Millie howls with laughter.—
Danilyn Rutherford,
TIME,
22 Feb. 2025
-
The 1987/88 champ, scraping past Juventus to keep its hopes intact, has been a dominant force in the Netherlands lately, accruing 91 points to win the Eredivisie last campaign and only recently overtaken by a resurgent first-place Ajax this domestic season.—
Henry Flynn,
Forbes,
21 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Hackman is a detective who specializes in audio surveillance, spying on and bugging strangers, a wiretapper capturing them in incriminating secrets, yet unable to empathize or bond with any real-life humans.—
Rob Sheffield,
Rolling Stone,
27 Feb. 2025
-
Ahead of the trial, Sherborne alleged the newspapers had used deception to obtain his clients' medical, phone and flight records, as well as bugging homes and placing listening devices into cars.—
Max Taylor,
NBC News,
22 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Howlin’ Wolf, one of Chess’ major talents, chafed at the change.—
Ron Grossman,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Feb. 2025
-
The pressure campaign has created some internal friction as some House Democrats chafe under the tamer, more focused approach led by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries' (D-N.Y.).—
Andrew Solender,
Axios,
11 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
After the war broke out, Lina insisted on helping shield the persecuted – Jews and Roma, among them – at great risk.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
24 Feb. 2025
-
According to court records, two plaintiffs fled Afghanistan due to fears that the Taliban might persecute them over their support for the United States.—
Peter Charalambous,
ABC News,
21 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
The shift may not only draw anger from Israel's emboldened far right but also aggravate divisions within Trump's own administration between an old conservative guard seeking a more assertive posture on Iran and the rising cadre of Trump loyalists who more closely share the president's vision.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
28 Feb. 2025
-
Vargas, 38, of Osteen, pleaded guilty on Aug. 21 to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, aggravated identity theft and conspiracy to commit money laundering, prosecutors said.—
Julia Marnin,
Miami Herald,
24 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Irritate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irritate. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share