as in irritable
easily irritated or annoyed
that coworker would be easier to get along with if she weren't so testy all the time
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Recent Examples of testy
Altman’s testimony got testy when a lawyer for Musk, Steven Molo, began cross-examination.
—
David Ingram, NBC news, 12 May 2026
The 76ers’ playoff collapse leaves everyone in Philly really, really testy.
—Chris Branch, New York Times, 12 May 2026
His case drew national attention in December when lawmakers pressed then-Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem during a testy congressional hearing about veterans swept up in the crackdown.
—Hanna Park, CNN Money, 10 May 2026
Sunday’s race at the Miami International Autodrome was a testy afternoon that Antonelli ultimately made look inescapable.
—Taylor Stoddard, Robb Report, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for testy
David Ingram, NBC news, 12 May 2026
The 76ers’ playoff collapse leaves everyone in Philly really, really testy.
—Chris Branch, New York Times, 12 May 2026
His case drew national attention in December when lawmakers pressed then-Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem during a testy congressional hearing about veterans swept up in the crackdown.
—Hanna Park, CNN Money, 10 May 2026
Sunday’s race at the Miami International Autodrome was a testy afternoon that Antonelli ultimately made look inescapable.
—Taylor Stoddard, Robb Report, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for testy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for testy
Adjective
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Even Adam’s irritable female boss, Suzie (Sasheer Zamata), hides under a people-pleasing mask.—
Amy Nicholson,
Los Angeles Times,
3 June 2026
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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
Adjective
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And Mullin, a 48-year-old former Republican senator from Oklahoma and former mixed martial arts fighter, is also known for fiery exchanges with congressional committees, once challenging a Teamsters leader during a 2023 hearing.—
Eduardo Cuevas,
USA Today,
4 June 2026
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With first-round pick Caleb Downs expected to lock down the nickel cornerback spot, the competition will be fiery for the other two spots.—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Testy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/testy. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.
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