What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cantankerous
Example
My neighbor is always in a cantankerous mood, yelling at everyone who passes by. [cantankerous: adjective]
Example
The cantankerous old man refused to help anyone and was always complaining about something. [cantankerous: adjective]
cranky
Example
I try to avoid talking to my boss when he's cranky because he snaps at everyone. [cranky: adjective]
Example
The baby is always cranky when she's tired and needs a nap. [cranky: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cranky is more commonly used than cantankerous in everyday language. Cranky is a familiar term that is widely understood, while cantankerous is less commonly heard and may be unfamiliar to some ESL learners.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cantankerous and cranky?
While cantankerous is associated with a more formal tone, cranky is more informal and casual. Cantankerous is typically used in more serious or literary contexts, while cranky is suitable for everyday conversations.
