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Synonyms

crossness

American  
[kraws-nis, kros-] / ˈkrɔs nɪs, ˈkrɒs- /

noun

  1. the quality or state of being cross or angry; irritability; snappishness.

Etymology

Origin of crossness

First recorded in 1590–1600; cross + -ness

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

I decided it would do to convey a mixture of can-you-believe-it crossness and wrenching disappointment, selected it, added zilch and pressed send.

From The Guardian • Aug. 31, 2014

I, who had no fears of being daubed, kissed them with pleasure, wishing to make amends to them for his crossness.

From The Joy of Captain Ribot by Palacio Vald?s, Armando

Michael was overcome by his mother's crossness and said no more.

From Sinister Street, vol. 1 by MacKenzie, Compton

Yes, for crossness and unpolite words and messing at table and—lots of things.

From Reels and Spindles A Story of Mill Life by Merrill, Frank T. (Frank Thayer)

But in her relief at knowing she was able to move and speak Mona did not mind granny's crossness.

From The Making of Mona by Quiller-Couch, Mabel

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.