testy

[tes-tee]

adjective

testier, testiest 

1. irritably impatient; touchy.

   Synonyms: irascible, cross, snappish, edgy, tetchy
   Antonyms: composed

testy

/ ˈtɛstɪ /

adjective

1. irritable or touchy

Other Word Forms

• testily adverb
• testiness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of testy¹

First recorded in 1325–75; late Middle English testi, alteration of Middle French testu “headstrong”; replacing Middle English testif, from Middle French. See test ², -ive

Word History and Origins

Origin of testy¹

C14: from Anglo-Norman testif headstrong, from Old French teste head, from Late Latin testa skull, from Latin: shell

Synonym Study

See irritable.

Example Sentences

Porter said she would seek every vote she could win, but then grew testy over follow-up questions.

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As Waller-Bridge says in a testy German accent announcing the film’s theme, “Sometimes we have to perform to get to the truth.”

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In the testy appearance before the Senate Finance Committee, Kennedy repeatedly defended his record in heated exchanges with senators from both parties and questioned data that show the effectiveness of vaccines.

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He more recently turned heads for a testy exit from the stage at a “Saturday Night Live” taping.

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On Tuesday, lawmakers listened to hours of testimony and debate, frequently engaging in testy exchanges.

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Related Words

• annoyed 
• cantankerous 
• cranky 
• edgy 
• exasperated 
• grumpy 
• impatient 
• quarrelsome 
• sullen 
• uptight