1
as in clumsy
difficult to use or operate especially because of size, weight, or design
that old typewriter is handy sometimes, but rather cranky these days
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2
as in irritable
easily irritated or annoyed
the baby was cranky after not being fed for hours
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3
as in restless
given to complaining a lot
if cranky children don't appreciate what they already have, then they shouldn't get a thing more
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4
as in funny
different from the ordinary in a way that causes curiosity or suspicion
that's just another of his cranky theories about the CIA
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of cranky
As the frontman of the Pogues, he was heralded for his cranky, often tongue-in-cheek delivery of songs about the misadventures of Ireland’s residents.
—
Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 12 Mar. 2026
Who knew that Big 12 Conference expansion would increase the number of cranky people covering the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments?
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 10 Mar. 2026
Poor sleep leads to more than just crankiness A cranky kid after a bad night’s sleep is bad enough.
—Avery Newmark, AJC.com, 10 Mar. 2026
Parents who live in several specific parts of the country do not have to spend two weeks a year dealing with extra-cranky kids.
—Rosie Colosi, NBC news, 9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cranky
Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 12 Mar. 2026
Who knew that Big 12 Conference expansion would increase the number of cranky people covering the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments?
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 10 Mar. 2026
Poor sleep leads to more than just crankiness A cranky kid after a bad night’s sleep is bad enough.
—Avery Newmark, AJC.com, 10 Mar. 2026
Parents who live in several specific parts of the country do not have to spend two weeks a year dealing with extra-cranky kids.
—Rosie Colosi, NBC news, 9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cranky
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cranky
Adjective
-
Our hands soon became insensitive, clumsy hooks.—
Jim Hoagland,
Outdoor Life,
30 Apr. 2026
-
The production is a revival of the disappointingly fussy, clumsy, old-fashioned one by Lee Blakeley the company unveiled in 2013 for Conlon and to celebrate the Verdi bicentennial.—
Classical Music Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
What are the symptoms of irritable bowel disease?—
Lindy Segal,
PEOPLE,
24 Apr. 2026
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Perhaps through feeling more irritable, more anxious, or wanting to isolate.—
Joy Harden Bradford,
AJC.com,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
As Houser walked off the field, a few restless fans tossed boos in Houser’s direction.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
25 Apr. 2026
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This combo means the bed never feels saggy or restrictive, even when sharing it with a restless partner (or dog).—
Alora Bopray,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
This would be much funnier if Rimura were, indeed, simply a slime.—
Beatrice Loayza,
Variety,
1 May 2026
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Just being more confident in my choice of what is funny and what’s not.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Rio de Janeiro mayor Eduardo Cavaliere made headlines earlier this year by banning Chappell Roan from ever performing at the concert after the singer had an awkward encounter with the stepdaughter of Brazilian soccer player Jorginho.—
Jordan Moreau,
Variety,
27 Apr. 2026
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The White House Correspondents’ Association dinner is one of Washington’s enduring, if somewhat awkward, rituals.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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At times, Riley’s arguments about the way things used to be done come off as a grumpy old man and his lawn.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
30 Apr. 2026
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He was trained by colorful and often grumpy Mel Stute, who was, like Shoemaker, a fixture at Santa Anita.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Upset over a bizarre technical foul in Game 2, Booker unloaded on the refs, particularly James Williams.—
Doug Haller,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2026
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The New York Giants had a completely bizarre draft on Thursday – one that even left star wide receiver Malik Nabers visibly frustrated during his own simulcast with Green Bay Packers linebacker Micah Parsons.—
Ryan Gaydos OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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But the point stands that the means to make a movie—once cumbersome and expensive—now fits in the palm of your hand.—
Dennis Lim,
The New York Review of Books,
25 Apr. 2026
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Unfortunately, clear aquarium-style cages can be heavy and cumbersome to move.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cranky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cranky. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
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