QUERULOUS Synonyms: 61 Similar and Opposite Words

querulous

adjective

ˈkwer-yə-ləs

Definition of querulous

as in restless

given to complaining a lot car trips that were frequently spoiled by a couple of querulous passengers in the back

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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 querulous Trying to Kill Each Other' And Walken is marvelous — querulous, petty, cruel — as the Emperor. — Tom Gliatto, Peoplemag, 29 Feb. 2024 The most salutary change was Kelsey, who turned from Rigoletto to Amonasro, and who gave his trademark smoky tone and aura of threat to a role that, earlier in the month, George Gagnidze had rendered merely tight and querulous. — Zachary Woolfe, New York Times, 11 Jan. 2023 One came across as a quiet, reserved, eloquent, thoughtful force of nature; the other as a boisterous, querulous, troublemaking and sometimes thoughtless and mean force of nature. — Los Angeles Times, 26 July 2022 Today those late, querulous paintings are counted among the most influential American artworks of the twentieth century. — Susan Tallman, The New York Review of Books, 14 Jan. 2021 See All Example Sentences for querulous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for querulous

Adjective

For a restless brain, the quiet room doesn’t feel like leadership so much as isolation, so people slide back into admin work without really deciding to.

— Chris Kille, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2026
Two males and one female, the cubs were restless during Tuesday’s vaccination.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of restless

Adjective

If a relative or housemate seems irritable, ask what’s going on instead of working around the mood.

— Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026
As the fascination with Ernetti grows into something unhealthy, Béatrice subtly grows more tired, more distracted, more irritable and desperate for answers, small changes Sellier conveys with a smart sense of restraint.

— Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of irritable

Adjective

The film opens upon a typical grumpy New York day, with traffic snarling the streets and horns honking.

— Victor Garber, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2026
Research from as recently as 2019 noted that older women are often relegated to supporting roles onscreen, or are consistently portrayed as grumpy, frumpy, or senile.

— Valerie Monroe, Allure, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of grumpy

Adjective

One grandmother initially didn’t understand what the couple was asking, while two were a little nervous about taking on a role traditionally given to children.

— Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2026
But one area that has Chiefs fans a little nervous is the offensive line that will be tasked with keeping Mahomes upright.

— Scott Chasen, Kansas City Star, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of nervous

Adjective

According to Blue Apron's policy, customers who are dissatisfied with a meal or ingredient can contact the company within seven days of receiving their order.

— Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026
Researchers explored why consumers are so dissatisfied with the taste of tomatoes in the store.

— Jessica Farthing, Southern Living, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of dissatisfied

Adjective

For the priests, this was a case of demonic possession due to witch-craft, and Mary’s crabby, aloof neighbor Elizabeth Jackson was the prime witch suspect.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Apr. 2026
The show followed the destitute Cuylers — father Early, his illegitimate son Rusty, his meth-loving sister Lily, and his crabby grandmother Granny — and their various moneymaking high jinks.

— Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 18 Mar. 2026

Definition of crabby

Browse Nearby Words

querists

querulous

querulousness

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“Querulous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/querulous. Accessed 17 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of querulous

adjective

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