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cantankerous

English → EnglishliteraryInstant · from the shared dictionary
Illustration of "cantankerous": "Cantankerous" describes a person who is bad-tempered, argumentative, and generally difficult to get

What does "cantankerous" mean?

"Cantankerous" describes a person who is bad-tempered, argumentative, and generally difficult to get along with. Think of a grumpy, elderly neighbor who shouts at children to stay off his lawn or complains incessantly about the weather; the word carries a sense of stubborn, persistent irritability. It is often used to describe people who seem to enjoy being contrary just for the sake of it. While "grumpy" or "cranky" are common synonyms, "cantankerous" implies a more deep-seated, habitual disposition toward conflict rather than just a fleeting bad mood.

"cantankerous" in conversation

Discussing a neighbor

Mr. Henderson is being cantankerous again.

Mr. Henderson is being cantankerous again.

What did he do this time?

What did he do this time?

He’s yelling at the delivery driver for parking too close to his gate.

He’s yelling at the delivery driver for parking too close to his gate.

Used to describe a person who is habitually difficult.

Talking about a film character

I love how the grandfather starts off so cantankerous.

I love how the grandfather starts off so cantankerous.

Yeah, but he softens up by the end of the movie.

Yeah, but he softens up by the end of the movie.

Often used to describe archetypal grumpy characters.

"cantankerous" in a sentence

  1. The cantankerous old man refused to let anyone help him with his groceries.

    The cantankerous old man refused to let anyone help him with his groceries.

  2. Despite his cantankerous demeanor, he was deeply loved by his grandchildren.

    Despite his cantankerous demeanor, he was deeply loved by his grandchildren.

  3. The committee meeting was derailed by the cantankerous nature of the lead negotiator, who rejected every compromise proposed.

    The committee meeting was derailed by the cantankerous nature of the lead negotiator, who rejected every compromise proposed.

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