irritant

1 of 2

noun

ir·ri·tant ˈir-ə-tənt

Synonyms of irritant

: something that irritates or excites

irritant

2 of 2

adjective

: causing irritation

specifically : tending to produce physical irritation

Examples of irritant in a Sentence

Noun dust and other lung irritants The delay was a minor irritant.

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

Noun

Carney also said that Washington viewed protections for French and Canadian culture — considered fundamental rights in Canada — as irritants to trade. — ABC News, 26 Aug. 2026 Police also say there is no evidence an MPD officer on scene deployed any irritant. — Wcco Staff, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026

Adjective

China’s persistent reliance on food imports is a likely irritant to Xi, especially given recent global economic disruptions. — Caitlin Welsh, Foreign Affairs, 11 Aug. 2026 According to Jim McHale, president of JP McHale Pest Management, salt can act as an irritant or contact killer for pests with soft exoskeletons. — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 6 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for irritant

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1802, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1636, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of irritant was in 1636

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Irritant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/irritant. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

irritant

1 of 2 adjective

ir·ri·tant ˈir-ə-tənt

: tending to produce anger, annoyance, impatience, soreness, or inflammation

especially : tending to produce physical irritation

irritant

2 of 2 noun

: something that irritates

Medical Definition

irritant

1 of 2 adjective

ir·ri·tant ˈir-ə-tənt

: causing irritation

specifically : tending to produce inflammation

irritant

2 of 2 noun

: something that irritates or excites

specifically : an agent by which irritation is produced

a chemical irritant

irritant

noun

adjective

Synonyms of irritant

Examples of irritant in a Sentence

Word History

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Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Medical Definition

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