CURMUDGEON Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

curmudgeon

noun

(ˌ)kər-ˈmə-jən

Definition of curmudgeon

as in crab

an irritable and complaining person only a curmudgeon would object to the nursing home's holiday decorations

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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 curmudgeon Though Sam is a card-carrying curmudgeon, his next-door neighbor Jack (Bill Pullman) isn’t deterred from inviting him over for a barbecue. — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 21 May 2026 An appreciation for one of the dining world’s great curmudgeons. — Laurie Ochoa, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2026 While some filmmakers, like Darren Aronofsky, considered his harsh critiques a badge of honor, Reed's colleagues remembered him as more than just a curmudgeon. — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 12 May 2026 The David Hockney–esque Julian was a star of the ’60s and ’70s but has spent the past three decades in prolonged retreat, living off his notoriety and persona as an art curmudgeon — first as a judge on a reality-competition show and, more recently, on Cameo. — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for curmudgeon

Recent Examples of Synonyms for curmudgeon

Noun

The winning appetizer, though, was the aesthetically humble but nonetheless delicious jumbo lump crab cake, a mustardy affair crowned with pickled radish.

— Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
During a visit to the Copenhagen restaurant on Tuesday, chefs practiced preparing pike perch, brown crab, shrimp, and mushrooms in Noma’s open kitchen.

— James Brooks, Fortune, 30 July 2026

Definition of crab

Noun

Are they deluded into thinking that the complainers are just a squeaky wheel minority and the majority of fans are happy with it?

— Jeremy Rutherford, New York Times, 13 July 2026
Instead of pushing through pain and not speaking up for fear they'll be labeled weak or a complainer, this generation is more inclined to listen to their bodies, advocate for themselves, and address the issue through the proper resources.

— Sarah Scott, Parents, 10 June 2026

Definition of complainer

Noun

The unidentified woman took out a shotgun to try to scare away the adult bear and its two cubs from her dog but was attacked and hospitalized on July 9, according to the authorities.

— ABC News, ABC News, 21 July 2026
According to wildlife officials, bears are known to cache and defend food sources this time of year and noted reports that at least one moose had recently been killed nearby.

— Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026

Definition of bear

Browse Nearby Words

curly

curmudgeon

curmudgeonliness

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“Curmudgeon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curmudgeon. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of curmudgeon

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

11 Words for Miserly People

19 Words for the Cranky and Disagreeable

7 Cute Words for Complainers

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