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

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.

The overall vibe is reminiscent of a CBS sitcom featuring an older, curmudgeonly husband who has no choice but to indulge his younger wife.

From Los Angeles Times

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

Two curmudgeonly old rivals are marching toward a showdown that a lot of people really wish wasn’t happening.

From New York Times

Two curmudgeonly old rivals, reclusive spendthrifts, are marching toward a showdown that a lot of people really wish wasn’t happening.

From New York Times

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

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