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.
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
Once seated in his anchorman chair, he is fretful, peevishly checking how much of his shirt cuffs protrude from his jacket.
From New York Times ● Dec. 7, 2018
How much longer, she inquired peevishly, did we expect to continue?
From Scientific American ● Aug. 25, 2018
When asked about her work, she mentions her role overseeing the company’s imminent outsourcing plan — a faux pas that rattles Dacoil’s chief executive, who peevishly corrects her in front of everyone.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 11, 2017
“Pay attention,” Aunt Kitty said peevishly, tugging the newspaper from my hands and setting it on the bench beside me.
From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan
