What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shrewish
Example
Her shrewish behavior was driving her husband crazy. [shrewish: adjective]
Example
She had a shrewish tongue that could cut through steel. [shrewish: adjective]
irritable
Example
He was feeling irritable after a long day at work. [irritable: adjective]
Example
The baby's constant crying made her irritable and exhausted. [irritable: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Irritable is more commonly used than shrewish in everyday language. Irritable is a versatile word that can be used to describe various situations and people, while shrewish is less common and has a more specific context.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between shrewish and irritable?
Both shrewish and irritable are informal words that are not suitable for formal contexts. However, shrewish may be considered more offensive and judgmental than irritable.
