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
In a gritty, testy, physical game offering shades of the Heat’s Pat Riley era, the Heat got 27 points from Andrew Wiggins, 28 from Davion Mitchell, 23 from Tyler Herro and a 12-point, 19-rebound double-double from center Kel’el Ware.
—
Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 15 Apr. 2026
In his emotional breakdowns, Elliott buckles under his testy relationship with his mother Lynn and then wanders through gatherings and parties with a perpetually dazed expression.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 10 Apr. 2026
The game also had some chippy and testy vibes.
—ABC News, 21 Mar. 2026
The two are headed to a May 26 runoff after neither won a majority in the GOP primary this month, and their rematch is growing testy.
—Philip Jankowski
austin Bureau, Dallas Morning News, 13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for testy
Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 15 Apr. 2026
In his emotional breakdowns, Elliott buckles under his testy relationship with his mother Lynn and then wanders through gatherings and parties with a perpetually dazed expression.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 10 Apr. 2026
The game also had some chippy and testy vibes.
—ABC News, 21 Mar. 2026
The two are headed to a May 26 runoff after neither won a majority in the GOP primary this month, and their rematch is growing testy.
—Philip Jankowski
austin Bureau, Dallas Morning News, 13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for testy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for testy
Adjective
-
What are the symptoms of irritable bowel disease?—
Lindy Segal,
PEOPLE,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Perhaps through feeling more irritable, more anxious, or wanting to isolate.—
Joy Harden Bradford,
AJC.com,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
One is aji verde, a fiery, electric green sauce made with Peruvian yellow peppers, and huacatay, a pungent, black mint with hints of tarragon and citrus.—
Jenn Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Apr. 2026
-
In the video, an officer tries to use a key to enter the residence when the front of the building explodes in a fiery blast.—
Minyvonne Burke,
NBC news,
30 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Testy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/testy. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
