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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in irritable
easily irritated or annoyed
the baby was cranky after not being fed for hours
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Think of places where the checkout process could easily become a nightmare if devices go down, causing long lines and impatient, cranky customers.
—
Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
Many modern parents are more likely to soothe a cranky baby with a smartphone than a pacifier.
—Neil J. Rubenking, PC Magazine, 2 May 2025
Weird, but not nearly as weird as sidekick comedian Richard King pretending to be cranky KISS bassist Gene Simmons for a whole episode a few weeks ago.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 1 May 2025
His schedule was previously delayed by a cranky back.
—Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 20 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cranky
Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
Many modern parents are more likely to soothe a cranky baby with a smartphone than a pacifier.
—Neil J. Rubenking, PC Magazine, 2 May 2025
Weird, but not nearly as weird as sidekick comedian Richard King pretending to be cranky KISS bassist Gene Simmons for a whole episode a few weeks ago.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 1 May 2025
His schedule was previously delayed by a cranky back.
—Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 20 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cranky
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cranky
Adjective
-
At times, Alcaraz was almost as clumsy as Federer in his last hurrah here against Hubert Hurkacz in 2021.—
Tim Ellis,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
-
But things get weighed down by a clumsy body-swapping plot and a pairing between Joe and 22 that never fully pays off.—
Barry Levitt,
Time,
26 June 2025
Adjective
-
Determined to make a clean SPF, Brown says a chemical formula was out of the question (chemical sunscreens are often thought to be unsafe for the coral reef and irritable to sensitive skin types).—
Kiana Murden,
Vogue,
9 July 2025
-
In my own experience, poor sleep has frequently been the reason behind feeling tired and irritable.—
Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt,
CNN Money,
8 July 2025
Adjective
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Better to wait the performance out, to hope the protesters would get restless and give up.—
Clare Sestanovich,
New Yorker,
13 July 2025
-
Life was full and busy, but beneath the surface, Nancy was restless.—
Dateline NBC,
NBC news,
9 July 2025
Adjective
-
Their loyalty and love for each other is rewarded just by being cooler and funnier than anyone else around.—
Rob Sheffield,
Rolling Stone,
7 July 2025
-
But a journalist and the comedian swapping professions for a day or two could be funny.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
7 July 2025
Adjective
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An historic night at Madison Square Garden on Friday night turned into an awkward moment in the wee hours of Saturday morning at the Taylor-Serrano 3 post-fight press conference.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
12 July 2025
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Advertisement Advertisement To illustrate this point, consider the best man at a wedding who, instead of celebrating the couple, shares personal stories that only serve to embarrass them, often with awkward details that have no place in such a tender moment.—
Matt Abrahams,
Time,
12 July 2025
Adjective
-
Timeless talent Abigail Spencer has a new gig: being the sunshine to Josh Charles’ grumpy.—
Kimberly Roots,
TVLine,
7 July 2025
-
The Norman Lear classic introduced Redd Foxx as Fred Sanford, a grumpy but lovable head of the household living with his son, Lamont Sanford (Demond Wilson).—
Angela Andaloro,
People.com,
2 July 2025
Adjective
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This bizarre tale about being picked up by bounty hunters, taken to an unmarked warehouse without access to food, water or an attorney were clearly fabricated.—
Louis Casiano,
FOXNews.com,
1 July 2025
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Alicia Hannah-Kim is breaking her silence after a bizarre incident with Cobra Kai costar Martin Kove earlier this month resulted in him being removed from a fan event for biting her.—
Mekishana Pierre,
EW.com,
30 June 2025
Adjective
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Second, immigrant families could obtain relief through class-action lawsuits, although filing class actions in federal court can be a lengthy and cumbersome process.—
Nell Salzman,
Chicago Tribune,
6 July 2025
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Their effects will be modulated by how cumbersome or efficient work-verification systems are, by the availability of insurance-eligibility workers, and by community outreach or lack thereof.—
Lindsay Ryan,
The Atlantic,
5 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cranky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cranky. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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