as in irritability
readiness to show annoyance or impatience
overtired children are often prone to crankiness
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Recent Examples of crankiness
The most common symptoms of teething include drooling, putting fingers or fists in their mouth, swollen or puffy gums, difficulty sleeping, crankiness and fussiness, per the institution.
—
Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 19 Sep. 2025
At one point, her crankiness about being underappreciated for her domestic efforts is blamed, without irony, on her period.
—Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 8 Aug. 2025
Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 19 Sep. 2025
At one point, her crankiness about being underappreciated for her domestic efforts is blamed, without irony, on her period.
—Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 8 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crankiness
irritability
Noun
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During withdrawal from a substance, people feel profound emotional discomfort, including sadness and irritability.—
Claire Wilcox,
The Conversation,
10 Oct. 2025
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Even for those without diabetes, blood sugar swings can lead to fatigue, hunger, irritability and cravings, experts say, but a few smart swaps plus timing your meals strategically can help keep blood sugar steady.—
Deirdre Bardolf,
FOXNews.com,
9 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Crankiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crankiness. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.
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