cantankerous

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 “Greenberg,” Ben Stiller’s title character is a cantankerous and neurotic New Yorker who has fled west after a nervous breakdown.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 12, 2025

Eve Hewson gets only one scene but proves boundlessly charming, as does Stacy Keach as Jay’s cantankerous dad.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 13, 2025

A foreign policy insider told me: "It might come at a price, but it is in our interest for him to be a success, not be cantankerous."

From BBC • Jan. 18, 2025

He was known to colleagues as cantankerous, but he was also so knowledgeable about history and politics that he could broadcast for hours without notes or a script.

From New York Times • Jun. 3, 2024

“I guess this cantankerous woman is getting out of here,” Gramps said.

From "Walk Two Moons" by Sharon Creech