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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 testy
The situation exploded last week, when LeBron James appeared to confront Smith on the side of the court as the Lakers played the New York Knicks in Madison Square Garden, with a video hitting social media of the testy confrontation.
—
Ryan Bort, Rolling Stone, 12 Mar. 2025
The testy exchange began with Vice President JD Vance praising Trump for negotiating directly with Russia over ending the war that began with Russia's 2022 invasion and occupation of Ukraine.
—Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2025
The testy encounter took place at a bipartisan event as part of the National Governors Association’s winter summit.
—Zoe Sottile, CNN, 22 Feb. 2025
With Ted gone, the future of AFC Richmond is in the hands of new manager Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein), who has evolved from a testy former player to a respected coach.
—Maddie Garfinkle, People.com, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for testy
Ryan Bort, Rolling Stone, 12 Mar. 2025
The testy exchange began with Vice President JD Vance praising Trump for negotiating directly with Russia over ending the war that began with Russia's 2022 invasion and occupation of Ukraine.
—Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2025
The testy encounter took place at a bipartisan event as part of the National Governors Association’s winter summit.
—Zoe Sottile, CNN, 22 Feb. 2025
With Ted gone, the future of AFC Richmond is in the hands of new manager Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein), who has evolved from a testy former player to a respected coach.
—Maddie Garfinkle, People.com, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for testy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for testy
Adjective
-
And even in what was a stilted match played in an increasingly irritable atmosphere, Rogers and Tielemans delivered with an assist each.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2025
-
This stretch can worsen pain in people with back pain, very tight hamstrings, or irritable nerves.—
Aubrey Bailey, PT, DPT, CHT,
Verywell Health,
4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Trippie Redd, one of the genre’s most prominent voices, took to social media on Monday (April 28) to issue a fiery response.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
29 Apr. 2025
-
But she was also known for her fiery temper, often in the face of injustice.—
Suzanne Cope,
People.com,
28 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Testy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/testy. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share