cranky

adjective

ˈkraŋ-kē How to pronounce cranky (audio)
Definition of crankynext
1
as in clumsy
difficult to use or operate especially because of size, weight, or design that old typewriter is handy sometimes, but rather cranky these days

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2
as in irritable
easily irritated or annoyed the baby was cranky after not being fed for hours

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3
as in restless
given to complaining a lot if cranky children don't appreciate what they already have, then they shouldn't get a thing more

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4
as in funny
different from the ordinary in a way that causes curiosity or suspicion that's just another of his cranky theories about the CIA

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 cranky One TikToker refused to give up her parking spot and instead savored her food-court hot dog to get back at a cranky driver who honked at her. — Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 30 July 2026 That adjustment aside, there’s nothing conceptually very original to this tale of a prodigal son returning to find his cranky old ma requiring rescue from both organized crime and a police raid. — Dennis Harvey, Variety, 26 July 2026 Every cranky American who still can’t get over the game’s lack of scoring, and rules that allow a crapshoot penalty-kick scenario to crown a quadrennial World Cup champion, would have fresh reason to gripe. — Sean Gregory, Time, 20 July 2026 But in the meantime, add this tech-device sticker shock to the pile of other inflationary drivers — the price at the pump, noticeably higher grocery bills, rising housing costs (especially in Chicago) — making people cranky. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for cranky
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cranky
  1. clumsy
  2. irritable
  3. restless
  4. funny
  5. awkward
  6. grumpy
  7. bizarre
  8. cumbersome
Adjective
  • Such episodes now look like clumsy moments in a decade of dissembling.
    — Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Yirenki’s challenge on Christos Tzolis is clumsy, but well short of a first yellow card, let alone a second.
    — Graham Scott, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of clumsy
Adjective
  • The product immediately calmed down my irritable, rosacea-prone skin while delivering intense hydration that lasted all day.
    — Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 31 Aug. 2026
  • How skipping breakfast affects kids at school Nemours KidsHealth reports that kids who miss the morning meal often feel tired, restless or irritable by midmorning.
    — Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of irritable
Adjective
  • But Timeless is the first release of unheard recordings since 2023, and fans grew restless in the interim, circulating petitions and open letters asking for more from Prince’s storied vaults.
    — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Turner played a restless man drafted into the British Army in the years after World War II.
    — L. Sue Baugh, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of restless
Adjective
  • The results are sexy and funny, strange and gorgeous, personal and political, unconcerned with taboo or traditional structure.
    — Rachel Handler, Vulture, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The Royals’ bat boy comes in and out of view, but there are two funny moments.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of funny
Adjective
  • Lug a bulky, awkward, bear-proof canister to store your food so you don’t get mauled.
    — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • That puts the conference’s universities in an awkward—and potentially paradoxical—position of promoting a product that researchers within their academic departments have raised concerns about.
    — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of awkward
Adjective
  • There was another version where Daniela was grumpy and dark, the complete opposite of Maria.
    — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The cast is led by Tolman, with Grier playing the grumpy emergency physician Ron.
    — Selome Hailu, Variety, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of grumpy
Adjective
  • The idea that these two would have a five-minute-or-less breakup conversation, then plop down on the couch and happily embark on an acid trip together, strains credulity a little, even for this bizarre, codependent friend group.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Twenty-eight million views on YouTube certified the bizarre piece as a fan favorite.
    — Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of bizarre
Adjective
  • Another important implication is that once a country is removed from the State Department list, getting it back on is bureaucratically cumbersome.
    — Jason M. Blazakis, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Fall decor that is too cluttered, sharp, or cumbersome is often to blame.
    — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of cumbersome

Browse Nearby Words

crank (up)
cranky
crannies
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Cite this Entry

“Cranky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cranky. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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