testy

adjective

tes·​ty ˈte-stē How to pronounce testy (audio)
testier; testiest
Synonyms of testynext
1
: easily annoyed : irritable
2
: marked by impatience or ill humor
testy remarks
testily adverb
testiness noun

Examples of testy in a Sentence

that coworker would be easier to get along with if she weren't so testy all the time
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Sharks were looking for a better result against Tampa Bay after they were hammered by the Lightning in a testy affair earlier this month at SAP Center. Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 21 Jan. 2026 The exchanges, at a debate sponsored by the Republican Club of Van Zandt County, marked an increasingly testy fight ahead of the March 3 GOP primary to fill the seat left open after Paxton decided to run for the Senate. From Staff Reports, Dallas Morning News, 20 Jan. 2026 The second head-to-head is even more testy. Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 16 Jan. 2026 In one of his first public acts in the role, Tanner challenged Little’s budget proposal in a testy exchange with Lori Wolff, Little’s budget director, and in a news release. Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 14 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for testy

Word History

Etymology

Middle English testif, from Anglo-French, headstrong, from teste head — more at tester entry 2

First Known Use

1523, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of testy was in 1523

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Testy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/testy. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

testy

adjective
tes·​ty ˈtes-tē How to pronounce testy (audio)
testier; testiest
: easily annoyed : irritable
testily adverb
testiness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on testy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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