IRRITATE Synonyms: 109 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'irritate' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of irritate are exasperate , nettle , peeve , provoke , and rile . While all these words mean "to excite a feeling of anger or annoyance," irritate implies an often gradual arousing of angry feelings that may range from mere impatience to rage. // constant nagging that irritated me greatly

Q: When would 'exasperate' be a good substitute for 'irritate'?

The meanings of exasperate and irritate largely overlap; however, exasperate suggests galling annoyance and the arousing of extreme impatience. // his exasperating habit of putting off needed decisions

Q: When is 'nettle' a more appropriate choice than 'irritate'?

The words nettle and irritate can be used in similar contexts, but nettle suggests a sharp but passing annoyance or stinging. // your pompous attitude nettled several people

Q: When might 'peeve' be a better fit than 'irritate'?

While the synonyms peeve and irritate are close in meaning, peeve suggests arousing fretful often petty or querulous irritation. // a toddler peeved at being refused a cookie

Q: When could 'provoke' be used to replace 'irritate'?

The words provoke and irritate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, provoke implies an arousing of strong annoyance that may excite to action. // remarks made solely to provoke her

Q: When can 'rile' be used instead of 'irritate'?

In some situations, the words rile and irritate are roughly equivalent. However, rile implies inducing an angry or resentful agitation. // the new work schedules riled the employees

irritate

verb

ˈir-ə-ˌtāt

Definition of irritate next

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to scratch

to make sore by continued rubbing new shoes usually irritate my feet

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word irritate different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of irritate are exasperate, nettle, peeve, provoke, and rile. While all these words mean "to excite a feeling of anger or annoyance," irritate implies an often gradual arousing of angry feelings that may range from mere impatience to rage.

constant nagging that irritated me greatly

When would exasperate be a good substitute for irritate?

The meanings of exasperate and irritate largely overlap; however, exasperate suggests galling annoyance and the arousing of extreme impatience.

his exasperating habit of putting off needed decisions

When is nettle a more appropriate choice than irritate?

The words nettle and irritate can be used in similar contexts, but nettle suggests a sharp but passing annoyance or stinging.

your pompous attitude nettled several people

When might peeve be a better fit than irritate?

While the synonyms peeve and irritate are close in meaning, peeve suggests arousing fretful often petty or querulous irritation.

a toddler peeved at being refused a cookie

When could provoke be used to replace irritate?

The words provoke and irritate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, provoke implies an arousing of strong annoyance that may excite to action.

remarks made solely to provoke her

When can rile be used instead of irritate?

In some situations, the words rile and irritate are roughly equivalent. However, rile implies inducing an angry or resentful agitation.

the new work schedules riled the employees

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 Remember, accidentally inhaling wildfire smoke can irritate your eyes, nose, throat, and lungs, per the CDC. —

Jenna Ryu, SELF, 8 Jan. 2025 Show more Large particles from wildfire smoke can irritate the eyes, nose and throat, while fine particles can make their way into the lungs and bloodstream. —

Raquel Coronell Uribe, NBC News, 8 Jan. 2025 Wildfire smoke contains fine particulates that can irritate respiratory systems, the EPA says. —

George Petras, USA TODAY, 8 Jan. 2025 Capsaicin itself can speed up digestion, irritate the digestive lining, and trigger diarrhea. —

Cristina Mutchler, Health, 5 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for irritate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for irritate

Verb

Patrice O’Neal did a wonderful job of being annoyed.

— Mikey O'Connell, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Jan. 2025
Together the besties are annoyed by the mundanity of their jobs, from fielding ridiculous customer complaints to suffering the indignity of having their service summoned by a bell on a pop-up flag installed on the tables.

— Courtney Howard, Variety, 16 Jan. 2025