What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
curmudgeonish
Example
My neighbor is curmudgeonish and complains about everything. [curmudgeonish: adjective]
Example
He has a curmudgeonish personality and never wants to try anything new. [curmudgeonish: adjective]
cantankerous
Example
The old man down the street is cantankerous and always yells at kids who play near his yard. [cantankerous: adjective]
Example
She becomes cantankerous when she doesn't get enough sleep. [cantankerous: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cantankerous is more commonly used than curmudgeonish in everyday language. Cantankerous is a strong and forceful term that is frequently used to describe difficult people, while curmudgeonish is less common and may be considered more formal or literary.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between curmudgeonish and cantankerous?
Both curmudgeonish and cantankerous are informal words that are not typically used in formal contexts. However, curmudgeonish may be considered more formal or literary due to its less common usage.
