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Synonyms

short-tempered

American  
[shawrt-tem-perd] / ˈʃɔrtˈtɛm pərd /

adjective

  1. having a quick, hasty temper; irascible.

    Synonyms:
    waspish, choleric, testy, irritable

short-tempered British  

adjective

  1. easily moved to anger; irascible

"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

Etymology

Origin of short-tempered

First recorded in 1885–90

Vocabulary lists containing short-tempered

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.

See Examples For:

As Dick, the serious, short-tempered one, berated him for failing to acknowledge his error, he would scream in exasperation, “Mom always liked you best!”

From Seattle Times Dec. 27, 2023

“We’ve all been hot, moody and short-tempered with each other,” Ms. Kim said, adding, “But we’re finding ways to have fun and entertain ourselves.”

From New York Times Jun. 2, 2023

That includes comedian Sinbad, who would reprise his role as the short-tempered schoolteacher Mr. Wheat.

From Los Angeles Times May 22, 2023

In 2003, he landed a role in Elf as short-tempered boss Fulton Greenway, acting alongside comedian Will Ferrell in the hit Christmas comedy.

From BBC Apr. 10, 2023

Over the course of dinner I notice that she can be snappish and short-tempered, and she likes to be the boss.

From "Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline

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