ornery
adjective
ugly and unpleasant in disposition or temper.
orneriness
-
a word derived from
ornery.
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.
That orneriness expressed itself as a willingness to go his own way.
From New York Times ● Jun. 16, 2022
“And if I were a betting person, which naturally I kind of am, I would bet on American orneriness and refusal to line up,” she added.
From The Guardian ● Sep. 14, 2020
He’s a bit of a curmudgeon, and his show has a welcome orneriness that you don’t usually find in soothing cooking series.
From Slate ● Dec. 11, 2018
Despite his famous stubborn streak and occasional orneriness, McCain is widely admired on both sides of the aisle, and tributes poured in Friday after the family announced the treatment decision.
From Seattle Times ● Aug. 24, 2018
In his many journeyings among strangers the boy had learned to sniff out danger and spot orneriness quickly.
From "Sounder" by William H. Armstrong
