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ornery

[awr-nuh-ree] / ˈɔr nə ri /


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.

But O’Neill’s 1921 drama poses ornery challenges for an actress—and not just because Greta Garbo immortalized the role in her first “talkie.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 14, 2025

Quesada said she’d surprise him at times with funny little stories “about her more ornery days.”

From Seattle Times • Feb. 28, 2024

She earned her name by her ornery behavior with staff and other bison, said Racheal Komulainen, the park’s animal keeper.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 15, 2023

With his wild, Einsteinian coif, Romantic poet adoration and cryptic, sometimes ornery nature, Dylan is often held up as an emblematic example of the modern male genius.

From New York Times • Jul. 7, 2023

That ornery part of me, the one always urging Go the other way, Willodeen, reared up, ready for a fight.

From "Willodeen" by Katherine Applegate




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