edgy

adjective

ˈe-jē 

edgier; edgiest

1

: having an edge : sharp

2

a

: being on edge : tense, irritable

b

: characterized by tension

edgy negotiations

3

: having a bold, provocative, or unconventional quality

an edgy film

edgily

ˈe-jə-lē 

adverb

edginess

ˈe-jē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of edgy

• worried
• nervous
• anxious
• upset
• uneasy
• troubled
• apprehensive

Examples of edgy in a Sentence

Too much coffee makes me edgy.

Why are you so edgy?

Their relationship has always been edgy.

one of the director's edgier films

Recent Examples on the Web

Some of the humor was mildly edgy, including jokes about pedophiles, the Epstein files and disgraced royal Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. —ABC News, 22 Mar. 2026

Dweck’s edgy comedy horro rDead Lover, Sofia Coppola documentary Marc By Sofia, and the official theatrical release of historical epic Palestine ’36. —Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 20 Mar. 2026

Darlington has crafted a dark, edgy thriller whose engaging protagonist and intriguing psychological insights linger in the mind long after the memory of that last, jaw-dropping twist fades away. —Paula L. Woods, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2026

Styled with a slouchy leather bomber, metallic retro sneakers, and a pair of silver drop earrings, the spring staple takes on an edgier attitude. —Laura Jackson, Vogue, 17 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1634, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for edgy

• pledgee
• veggie

Kids Definition

edgy

adjective

ˈej-ē 

edgier; edgiest

1

: having an edge : sharp

2

: tense entry 2 sense 2, irritable

spoke with an edgy tone

edgily

ˈej-ə-lē 

adverb

edginess

ˈej-ē-nəs 

noun