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.

A republic too given to democracy, they thought, would allow big personalities to leverage the public’s irascibility against established order.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 15, 2025

“I’d like to acknowledge Oscar Levant, whose wit and irascibility and virtuosity is not only inspirational but a true original,” Hayes said in his acceptance speech.

From New York Times • Jun. 11, 2023

Long before "The Bear" made having a volatile personality a sexy quality in the food industry, Kenny Shopsin was operating his family-run downtown restaurant on equal measures of inventiveness and irascibility.

From Salon • Aug. 28, 2022

And at the center of it all: Andrew Cuomo, whose irascibility and penchant for political brawling helped foster an office culture in which his every whim was catered to.

From Slate • Aug. 3, 2021

Now Burnham faced the prospect of having to go alone to meet these legendary architects—one of them, Hunt, a man also of legendary irascibility.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson