peevish
adjective
cross, querulous, or fretful, as from vexation or discontent.
peevishly
-
a word derived from
peevish.
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.
“And I haven’t been to Europe,” she said, laughing before adding peevishly: “I don’t understand the point that you’re making. I’m not discounting the importance of the border.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 21, 2021
It wasn’t just men: a sixty-plus female publicist, who’d been in the business forever, was vocal in her sympathy, calling him “wonderful” and “generous,” as her younger colleagues frowned peevishly.
From The New Yorker ● Jul. 8, 2019
How much longer, she inquired peevishly, did we expect to continue?
From Scientific American ● Aug. 25, 2018
“Well, mother goats don’t die of heartbreak the way we do,” I said peevishly.
From New York Times ● Oct. 19, 2016
After a few moments Cal said peevishly, “I wish you’d get on with your lecture.”
From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck
