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
Caustic soda crystals cannot be ingested; baking soda is edible and non-irritating. Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Mar. 2026 The gentle cream is designed for daily use and is fragrance-free and non-irritating. Gabriela Izquierdo, Southern Living, 27 Feb. 2026
Verb
That said, while the price point is hard to beat, BHAs are higher in molecular weight, which can be irritating for those with especially sensitive skin. Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 29 Mar. 2026 The choice to portray her as irritating, self-absorbed, whiny and inappropriate was no accident. Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for irritating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for irritating
Adjective
  • Your husband’s petty desire to be right about everything is understandably annoying and somewhat typical behavior.
    Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Dealing with frost on your car may be a nuisance in the winter, but seeds, leaves, and flower petals can be equally as annoying in spring.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Accusations were made, lawsuits were filed, harsh words were spoken and feelings were hurt.
    CNN.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2026
  • It’s prized for sculpting a high-definition lip that holds up under the harshest red-carpet lighting.
    Micaela English, Glamour, 30 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • 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
  • Please order Keegan to make a pre-bathroom coffee for both of us for one week and then stop bothering me about it.
    John Hodgman, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Unlike nylon brushes, silicone ones carry no risk of scratching or removing paint from your bottle.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
  • And he is viewed as a prospect who is just scratching the surface.
    Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Those are frustrating questions to still have about a fifth-year player, but Sorsby could generate some first-round sizzle with a clean 2026 season.
    Nick Baumgardner, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Few things in gardening can be more frustrating than discovering that your favorite plants have been damaged by animals.
    Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Junior starter Colin Jack settled in after a rough third inning to pitch a complete game for Batavia (9-9-1, 5-3).
    Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
  • It's garnered a reputation for rough conditions for people in custody and guards alike over its history.
    Amethyst Martinez, USA Today, 29 Apr. 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
  • Smart skidded across the floor for a loose ball and was fouled, a jaw-scraping effort that forced him to check his teeth on his way up from the hardwood.
    Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Cover and process until combined, scraping sides as needed.
    Maddy Bendgen, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Irritating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irritating. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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