as in irritability
readiness to show annoyance or impatience
overtired children are often prone to crankiness
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
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
-
Stress may show up later as irritability, withdrawal, errors, or decision paralysis.—
Paula Davis,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
-
Watch for warning signs such as pale or reddened skin, shivering, irritability or tiredness.—
Katia Hetter,
CNN Money,
26 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Crankiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crankiness. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
