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Definitions

cranky

[krang-kee] / ˈkræŋ ki /
ADJECTIVE
in bad mood
Synonyms
STRONGEST
cantankerous grouchy grumpy irascible irritable ornery ugly
WEAK
bad-humored bearish choleric crabby cross crotchety cussed disagreeable got up on wrong side of bed hot-tempered ill-humored like a bear mean out of sorts perverse quick-tempered ratty snappish tetchy vinegary
Antonyms
STRONGEST
cheerful happy nice pleasant
WEAK
amiable

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In reality, though, it’s the options premium they really like, and they tend to get cranky if the stock declines and they must buy it.

From Barron's • Feb. 25, 2026

Ed Crane had an endearing cranky streak, and up to his final days he’d send us email missives with an article attached, reminding us not to forget the virtues of liberty.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 13, 2026

Or Santos bristling at her new boss’s insistence on clearing her charting backlog while tending cranky patients.

From Salon • Jan. 8, 2026

"Let's just get pizza back at the house," he sighed - the kids were getting cranky and needed a shower.

From BBC • Dec. 15, 2025

When they finally got together that afternoon, Maya was cranky from homework and Claire was exhausted from watching her little brother.

From "Far from the Tree" by Robin Benway