Synonyms of curmudgeon

curmudgeon

noun

(ˌ)kər-ˈmə-jən 

as in crab

an irritable and complaining person

only a curmudgeon would object to the nursing home's holiday decorations

Synonyms & Similar Words

• crab
• complainer
• bear
• crank
• grump
• sourpuss
• hunks
• mutterer
• grumbler
• whiner
• grouch
• growler
• grouser
• griper
• kicker
• murmurer
• crosspatch
• fusser
• killjoy
• sorehead
• spoilsport
• bellyacher
• pessimist
• nitpicker
• defeatist
• hypochondriac
• malcontent
• quibbler
• nagger
• grinch
• party pooper
• faultfinder
• objector
• crock
• repiner

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• optimist
• Pollyanna
• happy camper

Example Sentences

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