fretful
disposed or quick to fret; irritable or peevish.
Origin of fretful
1- Also fret·some [fret-suhm]. /ˈfrɛt səm/.
Other words for fretful
Other words from fretful
- fret·ful·ly, adverb
- fret·ful·ness, noun
- un·fret·ful, adjective
- un·fret·ful·ly, adverb
Words Nearby fretful
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use fretful in a sentence
I also felt a pang, watching Otto pull us out of our fretful dialogue.
A Tool for Staying Grounded in This Era of Constant Uncertainty | Rebekah Taussig | February 14, 2022 | TimeFried potatoes are one of mankind’s greatest inventions, but deep-frying at home can be as fussy and fretful as clipping a frantic cat’s claws.
How to make crispy air-fryer fries with no fuss and very little muss | Daniela Galarza | June 17, 2021 | Washington PostSelznick was appropriately fretful from the start about length.
Calls made by Ishihara for a “new military” are alarming to many Japanese, and the Chinese blogosphere has been fretful about it.
Why Japan’s Right Turn Could Be Trouble for the U.S. | Kathryn Ibata-Arens | December 16, 2012 | THE DAILY BEASTLike George Bailey in It's a Wonderful Life, the fretful marionettes pondered what life would be like without Sarkozy.
France’s Petty Politics Brings Christmas Early to Scandal Lovers | Tracy McNicoll | December 15, 2012 | THE DAILY BEAST
This strong and capable woman is fretful about what to wear for a dinner freighted with emotion.
Robin Givhan: Dressing for Power on USA’s ‘Political Animals' | Robin Givhan | August 8, 2012 | THE DAILY BEASTAs for the rest of the party, many are growing increasingly fretful over the violence being done to the GOP brand.
Gingrich Might Withdraw From Presidential Race for Right Appointment | Michelle Cottle | March 21, 2012 | THE DAILY BEASTOccasionally he turned his head to watch with keen eyes the fretful movements of a fly hovering above the water.
Uncanny Tales | VariousBeardsley was watching Arnold's fingers; there was something aimless and fretful as they pushed among the code-sealed tapes.
We're Friends, Now | Henry Hasse“I fear there is an element of the morbid, in all this fretful revolt against the old-established destiny of our sex,” she said.
The Daughters of Danaus | Mona CairdMrs. Tynan's face flushed with sudden irritation and that fretful look came to her eyes which accompanies a lack of comprehension.
You Never Know Your Luck, Complete | Gilbert ParkerSo that night his head was hot, and he was fretful; and in the morning he would not eat, and apparently had a fever.
Love's Pilgrimage | Upton Sinclair
British Dictionary definitions for fretful
/ (ˈfrɛtfʊl) /
peevish, irritable, or upset
Derived forms of fretful
- fretfully, adverb
- fretfulness, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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