Definition

easily irritated or annoyed, having a bad temper or complaining a lot.

Pronunciation

US English

UK English

Part of speech

adjective

Synonyms

cranky, irritable, touchy, testy, irascible

Antonyms

good-natured, easy-going, affable, genial

Example sentences

  • She had a peevish expression on her face and was constantly complaining.
  • The peevish customer was angry about the wait time for their order.
  • He was known for being peevish, especially when he didn’t get his way.

Usage

The word “peevish” is often used to describe someone who is easily irritated, has a bad temper, or is constantly complaining. This person is usually seen as difficult or hard to deal with, due to their tendency to become annoyed or upset over small things. It is important to note that “peevish” is not a strong word when compared to others like “angry” or “irate,” but it still conveys annoyance or irritation. The word can be used in both social and professional contexts, and is often used to describe someone who is being unreasonable or difficult. Overall, “peevish” is a word that can be used to describe someone’s behavior and attitude, especially when they are being uncooperative or difficult to please