Synonyms

curmudgeonly

American

[ker-muhj-uhn-lee] / kərˈmʌdʒ ən li /

adjective

like or characteristic of a bad-tempered, difficult, cantankerous person.

While one could point a curmudgeonly finger of blame at “these young kids today,” many older Americans haven't exactly been model citizens either.

adverb

in the manner of such a person.

After several weak episodes the new season seems to be finally snapping into place—although I am, curmudgeonly, a little peeved that it took so long.

Etymology

Origin of curmudgeonly

curmudgeon ( def. ) + -ly

Explanation

When you're curmudgeonly, you come across as very grumpy and unfriendly. A curmudgeonly teacher answers students' questions in a cranky and inapproachable way. Waiting in a long, curmudgeonly line isn't much fun, since everyone around you seems irritable. Your own curmudgeonly mood might cause you to snap at your friends and complain about the weather, despite the fact that it's a beautiful day. The origin of the related noun curmudgeon is a mystery, although some experts guess at a connection to cur, or "dog."

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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.

Larry David, who as the show’s curmudgeonly star is better known for breaking social norms than actual laws, travels to Atlanta in the episode.

From New York Times • Feb. 5, 2024

A curmudgeonly teacher at an exclusive boys' school in the 1970s reluctantly finds himself having to look after a group of students who aren't able to return home for the holidays.

From BBC • Dec. 24, 2023

“American Fiction” finds Wright, like Giamatti, playing a curmudgeonly educator whose hard exterior masks a tender longing.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 13, 2023

Alexander Payne’s “The Holdovers,” about a curmudgeonly teacher played by Paul Giamatti, got four nominations including for cinematography, best screenplay, best supporting performance for Da’Vine Joy Randolph and best breakthrough for newcomer Dominic Sessa.

From Washington Times • Dec. 5, 2023

That day, Bobby was not the old curmudgeonly Bobby: He was gracious, humorous, and willing to sign countless autographs.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

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