irritating
12 synonyms and 2 antonyms for irritating, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Causing annoyance or mild anger.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. adjective
Causing annoyance or mild anger.
“The dripping tap was irritating me all night.”
annoying
aggravating
bothersome
vexing
grating
pestiferous
painful
irritative
galling
pesky
pestering
nettlesome
Opposites
2. adjective
Causing physical soreness or discomfort.
“The chemical fumes were irritating to the throat.”
Opposites
How to use irritating
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
irritating habit
irritating noise
Frequently asked questions
What does “irritating” mean?
The word “irritating” means causing annoyance or mild anger. In plain terms, something that annoys you, or that causes soreness to skin or another body part.
How do you use “irritating” in a sentence?
Here is “irritating” used in a sentence: “The dripping tap was irritating me all night.”
What part of speech is “irritating”?
“Irritating” is an adjective.
Is “irritating” a common word?
“Irritating” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “irritating” have?
“Irritating” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: causing annoyance or mild anger.
What is the difference between irritating and annoying?
Irritating and annoying are close synonyms both describing something that causes mild anger or bother, and they are often used interchangeably. Irritating can additionally describe physical discomfort, such as an irritating fabric or rash, a sense that annoying does not typically carry.
Can irritating describe a physical sensation rather than a feeling?
Yes, irritating can describe something causing physical soreness or discomfort, such as an irritating chemical or an irritating scratchy material against the skin, separate from its more common use for emotional annoyance.
What kinds of things are commonly called irritating?
People often describe repetitive noises, minor inconveniences, nagging problems, and certain habits or personality traits as irritating when they cause ongoing mild annoyance rather than serious anger.
