Synonyms for

Grumpy

Verb / ˈgrʌmpi: / Another word for grumpy — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

bad-tempered and irritable

Synonyms & similar words

fussy crabby cross grouchy badtempered illtempered crabbed crabby moody sullen surly cantankerous testy irritable peevish cross ill-tempered ornery petulant surly churlish grouchy cantankerous difficult cranky surly touchy

Synonyms by register

Formal

irritable disgruntled petulant querulous

Informal

cranky grouchy moody curmudgeonly sour

Literary

churlish cantankerous ill-tempered

Antonyms

cheerful happy joyful pleasant amiable good-natured content

Common collocations

  • grumpy old man
  • grumpy mood
  • feeling grumpy
  • grumpy disposition
  • grumpy customer
  • grumpy face
  • grumpy cat

Word family

noun grumpiness
adjective grumpy
adverb grumpily

Usage note

Grumpy is often used to describe someone who is habitually or temporarily in a bad mood. It can be used informally to describe children or adults.

Example sentences

  1. The grumpy cat hissed at everyone who came near it.
  2. My little brother is always grumpy when he wakes up early.
  3. The grumpy old man yelled at us for playing too loudly.
  4. The teacher was grumpy because none of the students did their homework.
  5. The grumpy customer complained about the service at the restaurant.

Quotes

  • I'm not grumpy, I'm concentrated awesomeness.
  • There's no such thing as a grumpy pup.
  • I'm not really grumpy. I just have a violent reaction to stupid people.

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words