Irritant — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun adjective /ˈir-ə-tənt/ ir·ri·tant

Meaning & Definition of Irritant

Irritant (noun)

  1. something that irritates or excites

Irritant (adjective)

  1. causing irritation; specifically, tending to produce physical irritation

Irritant (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. something that is a source of irritation

    "the whining child was a constant irritant to his long-suffering parents"

    similar: aggravation, aggro (British), annoyance, bother, botheration, bugbear, exasperation, frustration, hair shirt, hassle, headache, inconvenience, irk, nuisance, peeve, pest, rub, ruffle, thorn, trial, vexation
    related: discomfort, fleabite, pinprick, affront, insult, offense, upset, worry, affliction, albatross, burden, cross, curse, menace, millstone, plague, sore, anxiety, plight, predicament, tribulation, trouble, hang-up, pet peeve, problem, annoyer, disturber, harasser, mischief, offender, pandora's box
    near: delight, joy, pleasure

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Irritant

The most common words with a similar meaning to Irritant:

British: aggro
aggravation, annoyance, bother, botheration, bugbear, exasperation, frustration, hair shirt, hassle, headache, inconvenience, irk, nuisance, peeve, pest, rub, ruffle, thorn, trial, vexation

Related Words for Irritant

discomfort, fleabite, pinprick, affront, insult, offense, upset, worry, affliction, albatross, burden, cross, curse, menace, millstone, plague, sore, anxiety, plight, predicament, tribulation, trouble, hang-up, pet peeve, problem, annoyer, disturber, harasser, mischief, offender

Near Antonyms of Irritant

delight, joy, pleasure

Origin & Etymology of Irritant

First known use: 1802

Frequently Asked Questions about Irritant

What does "Irritant" mean?

"Irritant" means something that irritates or excites. As an a noun and an adjective, it is defined as: something that irritates or excites.

What is another word for "Irritant"?

Other words for "Irritant" include aggravation, aggro, annoyance, bother, botheration, bugbear, exasperation and frustration. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Irritant" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Irritant"?

There are 52 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Irritant". Common alternatives include aggravation, aggro, annoyance, bother, botheration, bugbear, exasperation, frustration, hair shirt and hassle.

How do you use "Irritant" in a sentence?

Examples of "Irritant" in a sentence: "the whining child was a constant irritant to his long-suffering parents".

Is "Irritant" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Irritant" can be used as a noun and an adjective, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Irritant"?

"Irritant" is pronounced /ˈir-ə-tənt/ and divided into syllables as ir·ri·tant.

What is the origin of the word "Irritant"?

First known use: 1802.

What is another word for "Irritant" meaning "something that is a source of irritation"?

When "Irritant" (noun) means something that is a source of irritation, synonyms include aggravation, aggro, annoyance, bother, botheration and bugbear.