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

The elastic waistband and relaxed silhouette are as comfy as sweats but more edgy and pulled together. — Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 2 Nov. 2026

The Daily Caller, long a younger and slightly edgier outlet than other right-leaning publications like the Washington Examiner, The National Review, or even Breitbart, followed that online energy. — Max Tani, semafor.com, 2 Nov. 2026

The $239 Carson boot is done in rich black suede, with a silhouette distinguished by relaxed ruching and accented by beads for an edgy-meets-free-spirited vibe. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 2 Nov. 2026

Set the scene Asheville today is where hipster grunge meets Blue Ridge beauty, where a (post-Helene) revived River Arts District, famed for its galleries and craft breweries, celebrates edgy creativity. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Oct. 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