1
as in irritable
easily irritated or annoyed
a grumpy neighbor whose yard we had long ago learned not to trespass
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in restless
given to complaining a lot
the baby's sure to be grumpy if she doesn't get her afternoon nap
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of grumpy
That grumpy team member might be dealing with a flooded basement or a teenager who just got their driver’s license (arguably worse than the flood).
—
Byjulie Kantor, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
All the usual fun Indy stuff is here – Nazis, treasured artifacts – though the bantering chemistry between Ford's hard-luck hero and Sean Connery as his grumpy dad is off-the-hook spectacular.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 20 June 2025
The Fantastic Four: First Steps Chill out with Adam Sandler’s grumpy golfer—and Bad Bunny as his caddie, plus cameos from Travis Kelce and more pro athletes—on Netflix.
—Andrea Lavinthal, People.com, 18 June 2025
Read Next North Carolina Toothless cat has ‘grumpy grandpa face’ that hides a soft side.
—Simone Jasper, Charlotte Observer, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for grumpy
Byjulie Kantor, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
All the usual fun Indy stuff is here – Nazis, treasured artifacts – though the bantering chemistry between Ford's hard-luck hero and Sean Connery as his grumpy dad is off-the-hook spectacular.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 20 June 2025
The Fantastic Four: First Steps Chill out with Adam Sandler’s grumpy golfer—and Bad Bunny as his caddie, plus cameos from Travis Kelce and more pro athletes—on Netflix.
—Andrea Lavinthal, People.com, 18 June 2025
Read Next North Carolina Toothless cat has ‘grumpy grandpa face’ that hides a soft side.
—Simone Jasper, Charlotte Observer, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for grumpy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grumpy
Adjective
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Despite its self-destructive proclivities, the irritable giant has managed to make, and keep, a friend.—
Robin George Andrews,
New York Times,
22 July 2025
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Determined to make a clean SPF, Brown says a chemical formula was out of the question (chemical sunscreens are often thought to be unsafe for the coral reef and irritable to sensitive skin types).—
Kiana Murden,
Vogue,
9 July 2025
Adjective
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Any more info would spoil a twisty, richly visual tale, yet Pacino is upfront that the film’s claustrophobic feelings were a result of feeling creatively restless during COVID.—
William Earl,
Variety,
24 July 2025
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Since college dorm rooms often lack temperature control (hello, restless nights), the removable fabric cover offers moisture-wicking properties that actively pull heat away from the body, allowing your student to stay cool and comfortable.—
Cheryl Fenton,
Parents,
22 July 2025
Adjective
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When Vivian Powers went to foster a new kitten, she was pulled in by a cat's grouchy face.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 July 2025
-
Frye's comic foil was a grouchy widower played by George Gaynes, a character actor with credits going back 20 years who had just scored memorable roles in Tootsie and the Police Academy series.—
Jordan Hoffman,
EW.com,
14 May 2025
Adjective
-
Trying to Kill Each Other' And Walken is marvelous — querulous, petty, cruel — as the Emperor.—
Tom Gliatto,
Peoplemag,
29 Feb. 2024
-
Instead, Gerwig and Baumbach promote querulous sloganeering.—
Armond White,
National Review,
19 July 2023
Adjective
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Attend the Fiddler Crab Festival Every February over Presidents’ Day weekend, the three-day Fiddler Crab Festival brings crabby fun and community pride to Steinhatchee.—
Skye Sherman,
Southern Living,
5 July 2025
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Her dissatisfaction with her crabby old husband drives her into the same state of amorous turmoil that Vanya and Sonya find themselves in.—
Charles McNulty,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Joe Mazur, senior analyst at Trivium China, a research and advisory firm, said the use of exit bans and the lack of clarity around specific cases will make foreign companies extremely nervous about sending staff to China, damaging overall business confidence.—
John Liu,
CNN Money,
23 July 2025
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All 11 brought home at least one full point in Rome, the result of their talent but also of a cohesive approach where veteran Justin Rose was willing to be paired with nervous rookie Robert MacIntyre in fourball and sit the foursomes sessions.—
Brody Miller,
New York Times,
23 July 2025
Adjective
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Fortunately, the best hamstring stretches can be a balm for tight and cranky legs, providing sweet, sweet relief.—
Jenny McCoy,
SELF,
26 June 2025
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There are legislators to wrangle, agencies to oversee, natural disasters to address, interest groups to fend off — all while trying to stay in the good graces of millions of often cranky, impatient voters.—
Mark Z. Barabak,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2025
Adjective
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In particular, ensure clients who are dissatisfied with your products and services can access your customer service department and be turned into loyal customers by agents encouraging them to actively participate in the community.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
22 July 2025
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Polls show that half of U.S. adults are dissatisfied with the federal disclosures in the Epstein case, potentially fueling broader discontent ahead of the 2026 elections.—
Amanda Castro
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Grumpy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grumpy. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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