Peevish — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˈpē-vish/ pee·vish

Meaning & Definition of Peevish

Peevish (adjective)

  1. querulous in temperament or mood, fretful
  2. perversely obstinate
  3. marked by ill temper

Peevish (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. easily irritated or annoyed

    "I would rather figure things out on my own than ask that peevish librarian for help"

    similar: choleric, crabby, cranky, cross, crotchety, fiery, grouchy, grumpy, irascible, irritable, perverse, pettish, petulant, prickly, quick-tempered, raspy, ratty, short-tempered, snappish, snappy, snarky, snippety, snippy, stuffy, testy, waspish, out of humor, out of sorts
    related: bearish, bilious, cantankerous, cross-grained, curmudgeonly, disagreeable, dyspeptic, ill-humored, ill-natured, ill-tempered, off-color, ornery, querulous, snarly, surly, argumentative, bellicose, belligerent, combative, contentious, disputatious, fractious, fretful, pugnacious, quarrelsome, scrappy, truculent, huffy, pouty, sensitive, short, sulky, sullen, tetchy, thin-skinned, touchy, hot-blooded, passionate
    near: affable, companionable, cordial, extroverted, friendly, genial, gregarious, outgoing, sociable, agreeable, amiable, good-natured, good-tempered, sweet, well-disposed, carefree, easygoing, happy-go-lucky, relaxed, forbearing, long-suffering, obliging, patient, stoic, tolerant, uncomplaining, understanding

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Peevish

The most common words with a similar meaning to Peevish:

choleric, crabby, cranky, cross, crotchety, fiery, grouchy, grumpy, irascible, irritable, perverse, pettish, petulant, prickly, quick-tempered, raspy, ratty, short-tempered, snappish, snappy, snarky, snippety, snippy, stuffy, testy, waspish, out of humor, out of sorts

Related Words for Peevish

bearish, bilious, cantankerous, cross-grained, curmudgeonly, disagreeable, dyspeptic, ill-humored, ill-natured, ill-tempered, off-color, ornery, querulous, snarly, surly, argumentative, bellicose, belligerent, combative, contentious, disputatious, fractious, fretful, pugnacious, quarrelsome, scrappy, truculent, huffy, pouty, sensitive

Near Antonyms of Peevish

affable, companionable, cordial, extroverted, friendly, genial, gregarious, outgoing, sociable, agreeable, amiable, good-natured, good-tempered, sweet, well-disposed, carefree, easygoing, happy-go-lucky, relaxed, forbearing, long-suffering, obliging, patient, stoic, tolerant, uncomplaining, understanding

Word Forms of Peevish

Derived words: peevishly (adverb), peevishness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Peevish

Middle English pevish spiteful

First known use: 15th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Peevish

What does "Peevish" mean?

"Peevish" means querulous in temperament or mood, fretful. As an adjective, it is defined as: querulous in temperament or mood, fretful.

What is another word for "Peevish"?

Other words for "Peevish" include choleric, crabby, cranky, cross, crotchety, fiery, grouchy and grumpy. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Peevish" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Peevish"?

There are 66 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Peevish". Common alternatives include choleric, crabby, cranky, cross, crotchety, fiery, grouchy, grumpy, irascible and irritable.

How do you use "Peevish" in a sentence?

Examples of "Peevish" in a sentence: "I would rather figure things out on my own than ask that peevish librarian for help".

Is "Peevish" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Peevish" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Peevish"?

"Peevish" is pronounced /ˈpē-vish/ and divided into syllables as pee·vish.

What is the origin of the word "Peevish"?

"Peevish" comes from Middle English pevish spiteful. First known use: 15th century.

What is another word for "Peevish" meaning "easily irritated or annoyed"?

When "Peevish" (adjective) means easily irritated or annoyed, synonyms include choleric, crabby, cranky, cross, crotchety and fiery.