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Synonyms

snappish

American  
[snap-ish] / ˈsnæp ɪʃ /

adjective

  1. apt to snap or bite, as a dog.

  2. disposed to speak or reply in an impatient or irritable manner.

  3. impatiently or irritably sharp; curt.

    a snappish reply.


Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of snappish

First recorded in 1535–45; snap + -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.

Sometimes he was snappish, and sometimes just whiny, but always bristling.

From Salon • Jan. 23, 2024

That means that when characters are being snappish, they lack the charm that should keep us rooting for them.

From Washington Post • Jun. 27, 2022

Lulu has been traumatized by her experiences on the front lines and is skittish and snappish.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 17, 2022

Mr. Pryce pours himself into every cranny of his character’s contradictions: sometimes snappish, sometimes pathetic, always transparent.

From New York Times • Sep. 24, 2019

As a result, their caretakers and fellow creatures give them a wide berth, which only makes them more lonely, mistrustful, and snappish than before.

From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood

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