: causing irritation
specifically
: tending to produce physical irritation
Synonyms
Examples of irritant in a Sentence
Noun
dust and other lung irritants
The delay was a minor irritant.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
This pea protein powder is a good option for folks who can’t consume whey or casein products, and it’s made with just four ingredients, minimizing the potential irritants for those of us with sensitive stomachs.
—Jenny McCoy, Glamour, 2 Feb. 2024
Diaper rash cream creates a protective barrier between your baby's bottom and irritants in their diaper.
—Brienne Walsh, Parents, 21 Feb. 2024
Even avoiding irritants such as smoke or strong odors can help ease a cough.
—Syeda Khaula Saad, Verywell Health, 6 Feb. 2024
The filtration system is completely sealed so irritants are pulled in and aren't released back into the air.
—Megan Boettcher, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Feb. 2024
Fragrance-free and non-abrasive, these drops are absent of common skincare irritants like unnecessary fragrances and pore-clogging ingredients.
—Alyssa Brascia, Peoplemag, 30 Jan. 2024
The purpose of the skin is to act as a barrier against irritants and chemicals, bacteria, and fungi to get in.
—Nadja Sayej, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2023
Other members of the mob threw items, sprayed police with chemical irritants, and stole items from police defending the site.
—Jeff A. Chamer, Charlotte Observer, 1 Feb. 2024
The brand doesn’t use ingredients such as phthalates, sulfates, parabens, keratin, nut and mineral oils, petroleum, keratin and other potential irritants or endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
—Danielle Directo-Meston, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Dec. 2023
Adjective
China has repeatedly warned the United States to stop its support for Taiwan and the issue is a constant irritant in Sino-U.S. relations.
—Reuters, NBC News, 25 Jan. 2024
Porter’s campaign ads focus on her reputation in Congress as an irritant to Washington’s entrenched political hierarchy, touting her as having an independent streak and not being beholden to corporate interests.
—Benjamin Oreskes, Los Angeles Times, 13 Feb. 2024
Other potential causes include a potential allergy, an irritant exposure or a serious type of sun damage known as actinic damage.
—The Enquirer, 27 Jan. 2024
Researchers also specially bred mice susceptible to a lupus-like condition that can be triggered by a chemical irritant.
—TIME, 2 Feb. 2024
The most common irritant used is called anthralin.7 Oral Steroids.
—Heather L. Brannon, Md, Verywell Health, 27 Jan. 2024
In principle, the chemical irritant might induce immune cells to produce an inflammatory cascade, and that inflammation, in turn, might make the cancer cells grow.
—Siddhartha Mukherjee, The New Yorker, 11 Dec. 2023
One common concern caused by detergent is its ability to trigger adverse skin reactions and conditions like contact dermatitis, the result of direct exposure to an allergen or irritant.
—Kaleigh Fasanella, Allure, 29 Dec. 2023
Previous studies have concluded that gas stoves produce nitrogen dioxide, a lung irritant linked to asthma and a precursor to smog.
—Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'irritant.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Dictionary Entries Near irritant
Cite this Entry
“Irritant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/irritant. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.
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
More from Merriam-Webster on irritant
Nglish: Translation of irritant for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of irritant for Arabic Speakers
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