What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
surly
Example
The surly waiter ignored our requests and was very unhelpful. [surly: adjective]
Example
He gave me a surly look when I asked him to move his car. [surly: noun]
cantankerous
Example
My cantankerous neighbor always complains about everything. [cantankerous: adjective]
Example
She became cantankerous when she didn't get her way. [cantankerous: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Surly is more common than cantankerous in everyday language and is more versatile in its usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between surly and cantankerous?
Both surly and cantankerous are informal words and are not typically used in formal contexts.
