shrewish
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
- shrewishly adverb
- shrewishness noun
- unshrewish adjective
Etymology
Origin of shrewish
Middle English word dating back to 1325–75; see origin at shrew 1, -ish 1
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.
In private, his demeanor toward staff becomes louder and shrewish, according to new reporting from Axios.
From Washington Times • Jul. 11, 2023
In contrast to the shrewish Lilli/Kate in Kiss Me Kate, she took the role of the governess Anna Leonowens opposite Yul Brynner, joining the original production of The King and I on Broadway from 1954.
From The Guardian • May 21, 2018
It’s a shrewish moment that you wish could be balanced by more insights into the pilots’ quieter, more private moments.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 8, 2016
Hawkins, as the ultra-smug and self-serving Mary, turns what is already an evil-sibling character into an shrewish gargoyle.
From Seattle Times • Oct. 7, 2010
And on that occasion— “Smith!” screamed the shrewish voice from the telescreen.
From "1984" by George Orwell
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
