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

Examples 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 It’s often caused by long-term exposure to tobacco smoke, chemical pollutants, and mineral, wood, or metal dusts that irritate the lungs; examples include emphysema and chronic bronchitis. —

Matt Fuchs, TIME, 24 Oct. 2024 What’s more, the powders are enriched with nourishing vitamin E, jojoba seed oil, and honeysuckle flower—and free of talc, which can irritate sensitive skin. —

Jenny Berg, Vogue, 19 Oct. 2024 Parachute Cloud Cotton Robe 22/23 Parachute Cloud Cotton Robe $109 Nordstrom Parachute's Cloud Cotton Robe is Oeko-Tex certified, which means it wasn't made with harmful chemicals or irritating synthetic materials. —

Angela Trakoshis, Allure, 7 Oct. 2024 Always repeating a question is irritating and starts to suggest that something is amiss. —

Lance Eliot, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for irritate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for irritate

Verb

The Dad got annoyed at first but seemed to give up fighting over it with all the kids respectfully persuading him to accept having a driver.

Carolyn Rosenblatt, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024
Cooney immediately began to annoy other castaways with his brash personality and attempts to stir the pot about fellow players, and was unsuccessful in winning in the team challenge and individual immunity.

Emily DeLetter, USA TODAY, 31 Oct. 2024