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
Here's where things get a bit irritating. Justin Pot, PC Magazine, 13 Mar. 2026 Rather than focusing on clarity with harsh actives, a key component to the glass skin trend is using gentle, non-irritating ingredients that take your skin to a healthier state. Christa Joanna Lee, InStyle, 3 Mar. 2026
Verb
Sure, there are worse problems to have in life, but there’s no denying that fruit flies are irritating. Christine Fiorentino, Southern Living, 12 Apr. 2026 Oklahoma City is irritating, but never stops winning. Troy Renck, Denver Post, 10 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for irritating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for irritating
Adjective
  • There was noticeable and annoying lag and sluggishness in the Windows desktop and Windows Explorer, not even counting Chrome or Office, with apps taking some 10 seconds to even open.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 4 May 2026
  • The Hawks want to be a scrappy, tough, annoying team to play against.
    Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2026
Adjective
  • The barren landscape, despite its harsh conditions (daytime temperatures often exceed 125 degrees Fahrenheit), was—and still is—famous for its connection to many legends of treasure.
    Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 8 May 2026
  • Drivers may also experience smoother brake operation because the system avoids the harsh pedal pulsing commonly associated with older anti-lock braking systems.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 7 May 2026
Verb
  • Try taking 10 to 15 minutes each day to write out what's bothering you.
    Pien Huang, NPR, 2 May 2026
  • Yusei Kikuchi said throwing fastballs was bothering him again, so the Los Angeles Angels pitcher left Wednesday's 3-2, 10-inning loss to the Chicago White Sox after two innings with left shoulder tightness.
    CBS News, CBS News, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • They’re specifically designed for glass cooktop surfaces and have two sides—a gritty, sandpaper-like one on one side and a soft sponge on the other that gently scrub off stubborn messes and stuck-on bits without scratching or damaging the glass.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 3 May 2026
  • The guy who went overseas to play, and then coach basketball, couldn’t even nab a Division III coaching gig before scratching and clawing his way into the NBA.
    Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 1 May 2026
Adjective
  • For longtime Stockton resident Montie Selmon, sideshows have become a familiar and frustrating part of life.
    Conor McGill, CBS News, 3 May 2026
  • This was a snapshot of the 2026 Orioles — tantalizing upside, frustrating downside, and now even more pressure on an underwhelming rotation.
    Josh Tolentino, Baltimore Sun, 1 May 2026
Adjective
  • The suspension control software from their high-performance cars has enabled Ferrari to develop an algorithm to keep the boat stable, Ribigini adds, which will be vital at all times, but particularly in rough seas and strong winds.
    Andrew Rice, New York Times, 7 May 2026
  • Krejczyk and Gagen, meanwhile, are enjoying a season that started rough but has gotten better.
    Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 7 May 2026
Verb
  • Although pest control companies offer lethal solutions such as carpenter bee traps or chemical treatments, the best way to keep carpenter bees from bugging you is using stained, sealed, varnished or treated wood in building projects.
    Sarah Linn April 24, Sacbee.com, 24 Apr. 2026
  • So, all the things people were yelling about with Southwest weren’t bugging me.
    Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 21 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Pour hot milk mixture over batter, scraping pan clean with spatula, and mix with beater on low speed until incorporated and batter is smooth, about 1 minute.
    Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Blend until smooth, scraping down sides as needed.
    Maddy Bendgen, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Irritating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irritating. Accessed 8 May. 2026.

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