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

Synonym Chooser

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 So, strong actives like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and tea tree oil are likely too harsh and can irritate the bump even more. —

Jenna Ryu, SELF, 1 Nov. 2024 Use mild products: Avoid skin products that can irritate, such as toners, astringents, and exfoliants. —

Mark Gurarie, Health, 28 Oct. 2024 Rochester recommends baby shampoo to get your hair and makeup brushes grease-free and without any additives that may irritate sensitive face skin. —

Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 26 Oct. 2024 Drink plenty of water while limiting coffee, alcohol, and other fluids that irritate the bladder. —

Kelly Burch Published, Verywell Health, 25 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for irritate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for irritate

Verb

Examples of structural issues include being easily annoyed by other people’s demands and stories about their daily activities.

Courtney Smith, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
The report said the mailings annoyed and confused some voters.

Frank Witsil, Detroit Free Press, 2 Nov. 2024