1
as in clumsy
difficult to use or operate especially because of size, weight, or design
that old typewriter is handy sometimes, but rather cranky these days
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in irritable
easily irritated or annoyed
the baby was cranky after not being fed for hours
Synonyms & Similar Words
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3
as in restless
given to complaining a lot
if cranky children don't appreciate what they already have, then they shouldn't get a thing more
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in funny
different from the ordinary in a way that causes curiosity or suspicion
that's just another of his cranky theories about the CIA
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of cranky
People get cranky with the change.
—
Ticked Off, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Mar. 2026
Lauren Michele Jackson, cultural critic, New Yorker staffer, and the author of White Negroes, finally weighed in with the One Battle After Another review this cranky sue has been waiting for.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 17 Mar. 2026
As the frontman of the Pogues, he was heralded for his cranky, often tongue-in-cheek delivery of songs about the misadventures of Ireland’s residents.
—Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 12 Mar. 2026
Who knew that Big 12 Conference expansion would increase the number of cranky people covering the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments?
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cranky
Ticked Off, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Mar. 2026
Lauren Michele Jackson, cultural critic, New Yorker staffer, and the author of White Negroes, finally weighed in with the One Battle After Another review this cranky sue has been waiting for.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 17 Mar. 2026
As the frontman of the Pogues, he was heralded for his cranky, often tongue-in-cheek delivery of songs about the misadventures of Ireland’s residents.
—Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 12 Mar. 2026
Who knew that Big 12 Conference expansion would increase the number of cranky people covering the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments?
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cranky
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cranky
Adjective
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But less fine is Kreutzer’s decision to make Kühn’s own domestic challenges a parallel story, set up in clumsy counterpoint with Lucy’s.—
Stephanie Bunbury,
Deadline,
15 May 2026
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Salmonflies, however, are bigger and clumsier than smaller insects like mayflies.—
Dac Collins,
Outdoor Life,
14 May 2026
Adjective
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That’s because the Moon is at odds with Mars today and everyone is irritable.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
7 May 2026
-
What are the symptoms of irritable bowel disease?—
Lindy Segal,
PEOPLE,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The new big rig essentially picks up where those two leave off, giving restless travelers a vessel for achieving their most ambitious dream adventures – an off-road RV that's bigger, more capable and more self-sufficient than anything Winnebago offers currently, or has sold previously.—
C.C. Weiss
May 17,
New Atlas,
17 May 2026
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Feeling restless in your current environment?—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
17 May 2026
Adjective
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Jon Rahm is one of the best handful of golfers in the world, and, in media availability and his infrequent YouTube golf appearances, is thoughtful, funny and personable.—
Ian Miller OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
14 May 2026
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Semple’s writing is warm and absurdly funny but also occasionally devastating—as when, roughly midway through the book, Adora digresses into recalling her experiences writing for a comedy show in the 1990s.—
The Atlantic,
The Atlantic,
14 May 2026
Adjective
-
After her death, Riley read her diaries, an awkward experience at times.—
Emily Nussbaum,
New Yorker,
17 May 2026
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On-screen, Armitage’s portrayal of the socially awkward Sheldon has earned him critical acclaim.—
Jane LaCroix,
PEOPLE,
17 May 2026
Adjective
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The fantasy comedy twisted the types of fairy tales that Disney was known for with cruder and sillier humor and centered a grumpy ogre journeying to save a princess.—
Savannah Salazar,
Vulture,
15 May 2026
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Phil suggested Rick might just be a grumpy old man.—
Joe Kinsey OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
14 May 2026
Adjective
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That is pretty bizarre, given how fantastic both atmospheres have been throughout the playoffs.—
Matthew Fairburn,
New York Times,
17 May 2026
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Rather than representing a bizarre evolutionary innovation unique to salamanders, regeneration may actually reflect an ancient trait that many vertebrates once possessed more broadly.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2026
Adjective
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Around James and Anthony Davis — who, fun fact, made just $27 million that season before agreeing to a historic and more cumbersome three-year extension — the Lakers had shooters who could defend, like Danny Green.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
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Plus, cages can be more cumbersome to store over the winter than stakes.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
12 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cranky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cranky. Accessed 19 May. 2026.
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