CRANKISH Synonyms: 71 Similar and Opposite Words

crankish

adjective

Definition of crankish

as in eccentric

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for crankish

Adjective

On the one hand, many speculated about Tom Cruise‘s wild performance in the title role as a brash, eccentric oil tycoon responsible for an environmental disaster.

— Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 12 Oct. 2026
Heinz Beck’s behind the fanciest spot, while the all-day dining restaurant La Casati honors the eccentric aristocrat Luisa, who once owned the building which became the Guggenheim Venice.

— Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of eccentric

Adjective

Surprising, quirky additions are peppered throughout, such as a small trompe l’oeil ceiling fresco of a conservatory roof, complete with climbing roses and birds.

— Julia Wytrazek, TheWeek, 13 Oct. 2026
What sort of research went into this quirky family tree, including the sets of twins?

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of quirky

Adjective

Together, the tools could help accelerate the development of more resilient electric motor systems while reducing the risks associated with critical material shortages, volatile supply chains and rapidly changing global markets.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2026
Daily crude flows are very volatile, with only 3 million barrels of crude transiting Hormuz on Monday while 6 million barrels passed through the strait on Friday, according to Kpler.

— Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of volatile

Adjective

Unlike more overtly depressive takes on this role, Bos’ Hamlet is impetuous and sardonic, often bounding up three stairs in a single step and unspooling his words, words, words as if his mouth can’t keep up with his restless mind.

— Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026
Aegon, dragged out of King’s Landing by spymaster Lord Larys Strong (Matthew Needham) in an effort to save him from the fratricidal Aemond, gets an up-close look at the petty tyrants who have sprouted up in the countryside thanks to his impetuous rule.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 18 June 2026

Definition of impetuous

Adjective

Europe needs a better offer, grounded in its own capabilities rather than those of its mercurial ally.

— Claas Mertens, Foreign Affairs, 19 Oct. 2026
In the 1967 Ballon d’Or vote, Celtic’s mercurial winger Jimmy Johnstone was third and Gemmell was sixth.

— Michael Walker, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of mercurial

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.

Browse Nearby Words

cranking (up)

crankish

crank out

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“Crankish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crankish. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of crankish

adjective

Example Sentences

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