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

As the stakes heighten and power dynamics shift, the film mixes satire, romantic comedy, mystery and murder through the colorful and edgy visual language for which Araki is known. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 10 Feb. 2026

The theme of this coverage is that Schlossberg (1) is a Kennedy, (2) is handsome, and (3) posts lots of edgy content on social media. —Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 10 Feb. 2026

Matte black with glossy tips—in a trending square shape, no less—achieves just the right balance of edgy and elevated. —Samantha Brash, InStyle, 8 Feb. 2026

Harder to classify is the latest from the edgiest troupe in town, Ochre House Theater, where company members write all of the group’s material. —Manuel Mendoza, Dallas Morning News, 5 Feb. 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