What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
crank
Example
He's such a crank when it comes to politics. [crank: noun]
Example
She cranked up the music and started dancing. [cranked: past tense verb]
Example
The old car wouldn't start until he cranked the engine. [crank: verb]
curmudgeon
Example
My neighbor is such a curmudgeon. He complains about everything. [curmudgeon: noun]
Example
He's always been a bit of a curmudgeon, but lately, he's become even more negative. [curmudgeonly: adverb]
Example
The curmudgeon in the movie was initially unlikable, but he eventually warmed up to the other characters. [curmudgeon: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Crank is more commonly used than curmudgeon in everyday language. Crank is often used playfully or affectionately, while curmudgeon is more negative and less commonly used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between crank and curmudgeon?
Neither crank nor curmudgeon are particularly formal words, but crank is slightly more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts, including more informal ones.
