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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For example, a few kids experience increased hyperactivity or irritability in the first couple of weeks, but that typically subsides within a month.—
Sherri Gordon,
Parents,
2 Oct. 2025
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Be prepared for temporary withdrawal effects like irritability and anxiety.—
Sarah Bradley,
Health,
30 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Crankiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crankiness. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
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