curmudgeon

noun

(ˌ)kər-ˈmə-jən How to pronounce curmudgeon (audio)
Definition of curmudgeonnext
as in crab
an irritable and complaining person only a curmudgeon would object to the nursing home's holiday decorations

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of curmudgeon While some filmmakers, like Darren Aronofsky, considered his harsh critiques a badge of honor, Reed's colleagues remembered him as more than just a curmudgeon. — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 12 May 2026 Ancelotti was painted, in about 50,000 different ways, as an arch curmudgeon, a villain who would stop at nothing to thwart every life plan Endrick ever dreamed up. — Jack Lang, New York Times, 25 June 2026 In the new horror-comedy series, Root portrays a curmudgeon trying to convince Mayor Tom Loftis (Matthew Rhys) not to open their small island up to tourism. — Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 21 June 2026 The David Hockney–esque Julian was a star of the ’60s and ’70s but has spent the past three decades in prolonged retreat, living off his notoriety and persona as an art curmudgeon — first as a judge on a reality-competition show and, more recently, on Cameo. — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for curmudgeon
Recent Examples of Synonyms for curmudgeon
  1. crab
  2. complainer
  3. bear
  4. crank
  5. grump
Noun
  • The sculpture—which is home to live fish and crabs—takes inspiration from Newtown Creek, the toxic waterway between Brooklyn and Queens.
    — Anna Grace Lee, Vogue, 2 July 2026
  • Pair it with the crispy soft shell crab or Wagyu beef and black garlic gyoza for summery dinner.
    — Rachel Dube, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of crab
Noun
  • Instead of pushing through pain and not speaking up for fear they'll be labeled weak or a complainer, this generation is more inclined to listen to their bodies, advocate for themselves, and address the issue through the proper resources.
    — Sarah Scott, Parents, 10 June 2026
  • However, the Lakers are complainers to begin with and have always gotten a favorable whistle.
    — David Troy OutKick, FOXNews.com, 11 May 2026
Definition of complainer
Noun
  • Ron Magill, a conservation liaison with Zoo Miami Foundation, told ABC News that bears can feel threatened or competitive with other animals like dogs.
    — Yi-Jin Yu, ABC News, 30 June 2026
  • Authorities in northern Aomori prefecture said on Monday that a man found dead on a mountain that day may have been attacked by a bear.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 30 June 2026
Definition of bear
Noun
  • Remember, Slate’s promising something with no screens and crank windows; even Ford’s fairly spartan Maverick pickup has that spec sheet handily beat.
    — Byron Hurd, The Drive, 24 June 2026
  • There are many worse things, though, than being a well-meaning crank.
    — Christopher Hooks, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026
Definition of crank
Noun
  • While Hockney worked, Auden, as the artist recalled, played the part of the impatient, irritable grump.
    — Mark Rozzo, Vanity Fair, 12 June 2026
  • Youngman said Adelman was misunderstood and mischaracterized as something of a grump without personality.
    — Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 3 June 2026
Definition of grump

Browse Nearby Words

curly
curmudgeon
curmudgeonliness
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Cite this Entry

“Curmudgeon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curmudgeon. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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