Synonyms for

Irritating

Verb / ˈɪrʌˌteɪtɪŋ / Another word for irritating — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

causing annoyance, impatience, or mild anger

Synonyms & similar words

rile painful soothe rag plaguey chafe vexatious vex gravel pesky nark devil irritative getat bother annoying bothersome plaguy vexing pestering nettle galling getto pestiferous nettlesome annoying bothersome aggravating frustrating pestering provoking vexing disturbing troubling displeasing maddening galling nerve-racking exasperating grating itchy scratchy unpleasant harassing nagging

Synonyms by register

Formal

vexing aggravating annoying exasperating

Informal

bugging pestering getting on my nerves a pain

Literary

nettlesome gallingsome

Antonyms

pleasant soothing calming pleasing delightful agreeable comforting

Common collocations

  • very irritating
  • extremely irritating
  • slightly irritating
  • truly irritating
  • irritating habit
  • irritating noise
  • irritating person

Word family

noun irritation
verb irritate
adjective irritating
adverb irritatingly

Usage note

While 'annoying' is a very common synonym, 'irritating' often implies a more persistent or grating quality. It's generally suitable for most registers.

Example sentences

  1. The sound of the dog barking was irritating my ears.
  2. The itchy tag on my shirt is really irritating my skin.
  3. The slow internet connection is so irritating.
  4. The constant beeping of the alarm clock is irritating me.
  5. The way my little brother always interrupts me is so irritating.

Quotes

  • I find television very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go into the other room and read a book.
  • I am irritated by my own writing. I am like a violinist whose ear is true, but whose fingers refuse to reproduce precisely the sound he hears within.
  • I think that gravity sets into everything, including careers, but pendulums do swing and mountains do become valleys after a while... it's just the universe's way of balancing itself out and making sure that nothing is too good or too irritating.

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