CURMUDGEON Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

curmudgeon

noun

(ˌ)kər-ˈmə-jən

Definition of curmudgeon

as in crab

an irritable and complaining person only a curmudgeon would object to the nursing home's holiday decorations

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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 curmudgeon In the new horror-comedy series, Root portrays a curmudgeon trying to convince Mayor Tom Loftis (Matthew Rhys) not to open their small island up to tourism. — Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 21 June 2026 Though Sam is a card-carrying curmudgeon, his next-door neighbor Jack (Bill Pullman) isn’t deterred from inviting him over for a barbecue. — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 21 May 2026 While some filmmakers, like Darren Aronofsky, considered his harsh critiques a badge of honor, Reed's colleagues remembered him as more than just a curmudgeon. — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 12 May 2026 The David Hockney–esque Julian was a star of the ’60s and ’70s but has spent the past three decades in prolonged retreat, living off his notoriety and persona as an art curmudgeon — first as a judge on a reality-competition show and, more recently, on Cameo. — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for curmudgeon

Recent Examples of Synonyms for curmudgeon

Noun

The idea of recycling lobster, crab, or shrimp shells isn’t exactly new.

— Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2026
Try Hwahaedang for crab with roe and hotpot rice, or book Mingles for fine dining.

— Susmita Baral, Travel + Leisure, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of crab

Noun

My ‘Deborah Vance Show senior writer’ persona was kind of a rude complainer with an incipient alcohol problem.

— Merrill Markoe, Deadline, 21 Aug. 2026
Are they deluded into thinking that the complainers are just a squeaky wheel minority and the majority of fans are happy with it?

— Jeremy Rutherford, New York Times, 13 July 2026

Definition of complainer

Noun

The volunteers set a humane trap to lure Luna in using the scent of her family, since using food could attract other wildlife like bears.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026
Most bears are out there catching salmon, digging through dumpsters and scavenging for berries.

— Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of bear

Noun

Despite being a weird device with a black-and-white screen and a crank jutting out the side, the Playdate has managed to cultivate a strong and constantly growing library of games.

— Andrew Webster, The Verge, 9 Oct. 2026
Many spent their days suspended from steel cables, raised and lowered along the mountainside by hand cranks.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of crank

Browse Nearby Words

curly

curmudgeon

curmudgeonliness

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Style

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

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Synonyms of curmudgeon

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

11 Words for Miserly People

19 Words for the Cranky and Disagreeable

7 Cute Words for Complainers

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