fretful

adjective

Definition of fretfulnext
as in irritable
tending towards or characterized by agitation or irritability They finally lulled the fretful baby to sleep. I kept having fretful thoughts about what would happen if we couldn't pay our bills.

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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 fretful The quintessential late-’80s teen, Ryder here plays a fretful mom. — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 27 Nov. 2025 But that doesn’t mean viewers won’t be increasingly exasperated by the ways the screenplay forces Knightley’s character into a clumsy, fretful investigation. — The New York Times, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025 Investors are fretful heading into the August payrolls report. — Sarah Min, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2025 Suddenly the Toronto crowd’s sound turned from festive to fretful. — Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 6 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for fretful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fretful
  1. irritable
  2. anxious
  3. troubled
  4. worried
  5. agitated
  6. nervous
  7. apprehensive
  8. peevish
Adjective
  • Whether a balanced market can be achieved with competing cartels will be an interesting experiment in a sometimes-irritable trade relationship.
    — Tim Treadgold, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Just as Depp made to exit the stage, a haunting voice came over the speaker, eerily repeating the irritable man’s name.
    — Angelique Jackson, Variety, 23 July 2026
Definition of irritable
Adjective
  • The advice comes as pet parents become increasingly anxious about leaving their furry family members behind.
    — Brittany Anas, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • All available polling data indicates that the public mood in Russia is growing more uncertain and anxious.
    — Alexander Gabuev, Foreign Affairs, 31 July 2026
Definition of anxious
Adjective
  • The union has also raised questions about Cázares' role as fiscal advisor, pointing to her previous work overseeing other financially troubled school districts and questioning her compensation.
    — Richard Ramos, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Politically speaking, Pompano Beach is a deeply troubled place these days.
    — Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of troubled
Adjective
  • But Russian ballistic missiles appear to be the threat that has Ukrainian’s leadership most worried.
    — Nathan Hodge, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
  • As students head back to school across Georgia, some parents are worried about more than academics.
    — Brian Unger, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of worried
Adjective
  • Clancy became agitated, but never fully woke up once given the Narcan, which is typically used to treat heroin or fentanyl overdoes, Constanzo noted.
    — Andi Babineau, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
  • Costanzo said Clancy became agitated, reaching out her arms, but never woke up.
    — Kristina Rex, CBS News, 30 July 2026
Definition of agitated
Adjective
  • Because people are nervous that Tesla’s robotaxi is going to completely take over the autonomous-vehicle market and mobility overall.
    — Fortune Editors, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2026
  • For anyone nervous about bringing up price, Bascombe says preparation is the best confidence booster.
    — Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of nervous
Adjective
  • However, Khramov is still a bit apprehensive bringing in her cello since every instrument Yupia plays leaves markings and gets damaged more quickly.
    — Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Local voters have proven to be apprehensive about backing tax measures, according to June 2 election results.
    — Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 23 July 2026
Definition of apprehensive
Adjective
  • Then, after Erica has a peevish moment with Scotty, the gang hears about the landing party’s prehistoric adventures over drinks.
    — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 23 July 2026
  • The great speculators became talkative and communicative or dull, sullen, silent, and peevish.
    — Owen Lamont, Fortune, 2 July 2026
Definition of peevish

Browse Nearby Words

fret (about or over)
fretful
fretfulness
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Cite this Entry

“Fretful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fretful. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of fretful for Spanish Speakers

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