Definitions

irritable

[ir-i-tuh-buhl] / ˈɪr ɪ tə bəl /

ADJECTIVE

bad-tempered, crabby

Synonyms

STRONGEST

annoyed contentious exasperated fractious petulant prickly resentful surly testy

WEAK

bearish brooding cantankerous carping choleric complaining crabbed cross crotchety disputatious dissatisfied dyspeptic easily offended fiery fretful fretting gloomy grouchy grumbling hasty hot huffy hypercritical ill-humored irascible moody morose out of humor oversensitive peevish plaintive querulous quick-tempered sensitive snappy snarling tense touchy

Antonyms

STRONGEST

happy pleasant

WEAK

cheerful nice

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Irritable, neurotic, decent, confused and sardonic, Larry is a refreshing nod to the kind of spiky haplessness Jack Lemmon mastered.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 25, 2025

Amy had been misdiagnosed as having Irritable Bowel Syndrome until a procedure at 26 revealed she was suffering from severe endometriosis.

From BBC • Dec. 8, 2024

Irritable and untouchable, George Kirby blissfully found his happy place Monday night.

From Seattle Times • May 13, 2024

Irritable: Can you afford, and manage logistically, some time where you live apart?

From Washington Post • Nov. 8, 2022

Irritable he was; one heard that, as he apostrophized with vehemence the awkward squad under his orders.

From Villette by Brontë, Charlotte

Vocabulary lists containing irritable

Curmudgeon, Cantankerous and Churlish: Grouchy Words

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Esperanza Rising

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Among the Hidden

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!