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
Chances are the snow outside your home has gotten dirty and morphed from being magical to mediocre to downright irritating. Sherry Kuehl, Kansas City Star, 22 Jan. 2025 There is nothing more irritating to enthusiasts than when the mainstream tries to portray their niche world and gets it wrong. Matt Shaw, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
This waterproof version of the brand's best-selling, clump-free formula can withstand heat, humidity, and any other moisture that may come your way without irritating sensitive eyes. Sarah Han, Allure, 24 Dec. 2024 A lot of anti-aging skincare contains ingredients like retinol that can be drying and irritating, but Cetaphil has a possible solution. Lauren Taylor, Southern Living, 19 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for irritating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for irritating
Adjective
  • Frozen snack foods sold under Whole Foods Market’s 365 store brand got recalled nationwide for not being what the packaging says, an annoying mistake to some people but a possibly fatal one to other customers.
    David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 16 Mar. 2025
  • The Achilles — and any accompanying tendonitis — is the most annoying and concerning issue for a skill player who turns 29 in June.
    Troy Renck, The Denver Post, 15 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Designed for hiking and other outdoor adventures, these water-resistant pants are made with UPF 50 protection from harsh sun rays along with several spacious, handy pockets.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 22 Mar. 2025
  • President Trump is threatening 20 years in prison for anyone who vandalizes a Tesla, specifically in a harsh El Salvador facility.
    Emily Forlini, PCMAG, 21 Mar. 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
  • Perhaps most frustrating for affected users is the lack of clear, timely communication.
    Alex Vakulov, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Arthur Johnson For Johnson, the sudden reversal has been frustrating.
    Eva Tesfaye, NPR, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The Chicago Bulls have been stepping up lately after a rough start following the Zach LaVine trade.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Combat is fun enough – melee combat is rough but serviceable, and the gunplay is decent – and the world is filled with things to do, places to go, and people to meet (and ultimately kill).
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 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
  • Other times, Claude’s mental activity seems super disturbing and maybe even dangerous.
    Steven Levy, Wired News, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Just as disturbing and bizarre, at least one juror originally didn’t want to convict Zeigler at all and didn’t vote to do so until after that same judge ordered the bailiff to give her a Valium.
    Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Irritating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irritating. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

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