causing irritation or annoyance; tapping an annoying rhythm on his glass with his fork; aircraft noise is particularly bothersome near the airport; found it galling to have to ask permission; an irritating delay; nettlesome paperwork; a pesky mosquito; swarms of pestering gnats; a plaguey newfangled safety catch; a teasing and persistent thought annoyed him; a vexatious child; it is vexing to have to admit you are wrong

[ Syn: annoying , bothersome , galling , nettlesome , pesky , pestering , pestiferous , plaguy , plaguey , teasing , vexatious , vexing ]

(used of physical stimuli) serving to stimulate or excite; an irritative agent

[ Syn: irritative ]

causing physical discomfort; bites of black flies are more than irritating; they can be very painful

[ Syn: painful ]