IRKSOME Synonyms: 59 Similar and Opposite Words

irksome

adjective

ˈərk-səm

Definition of irksome

as in annoying

causing annoyance the irksome habit of leaving all the kitchen cabinet doors open

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Example 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 irksome The co-directors’ script is eventful enough, however, to keep their squabbling more as comedic background noise than an irksome dominant element. — Dennis Harvey, Variety, 14 Mar. 2026 Harbor officials called the situation more irksome than worrisome, noting booking a diving operation to assist with surfacing the structure could take a week or more. — Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 20 Feb. 2026 There were so few sightings of lovebugs in 2023 that Leppla and other entomologists received calls from the public asking where the irksome little critters went. — Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 May 2026 Skarsgård is sufficiently wacky and off-putting as the irksome Johannes, and Jamie Demetriou does yeoman’s work as Charli’s put-upon manager, Tim, the poor sap tapped to keep Charli on task (and usually fails). — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 5 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for irksome

Recent Examples of Synonyms for irksome

Adjective

This is a realm of exposition-heavy opening credits, relentlessly earwormy theme tunes, and heroes who, for no obvious reason, choose to hang out with cute/annoying [delete as appropriate] comedy sidekicks like Orko and Snarf.

— Richard Edwards, Space.com, 5 July 2026
This would have evoked annoying memories of the 0-0 draw against Morocco in 2022 and 1-1 draw with Russia in 2018 for Spain.

— Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 5 July 2026

Definition of annoying

Adjective

Two months after another frustrating playoff finish, the 76ers now look ahead with a reasonable expectation to be among the conference favorites next season.

— Tim Casey, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Residents said the latest delay is especially frustrating because the pool also remained closed for much of last summer after a water line ruptured while it was being filled.

— Hannah Kliger, CBS News, 2 July 2026

Definition of frustrating

Adjective

Few workplace behaviors are as small, common and irritating as the message that goes unanswered.

— Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Greenberg tried his best to ignore an irritating ankle injury that had plagued him the last couple of weeks and grimaced under the hazy sunlight as the pitcher, probably 20 or more years his junior, stared him down.

— Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026

Definition of irritating

Adjective

There were many disturbing parts of Kerstin’s story left unpursued.

— William Finnegan, New Yorker, 29 June 2026
The film is a modern take on the creature horror film told from the perspective of a young boy who slowly begins to discover that his beloved parents are hiding a disturbing secret about his mother’s true nature.

— Justin Kroll, Deadline, 25 June 2026

Definition of disturbing

Browse Nearby Words

irks

irksome

iron

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“Irksome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irksome. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of irksome

adjective

Example Sentences

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