Formal and Informal Expressions of ornery

In different contexts, you can replace 'ornery' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'bad-tempered, difficult' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'crabby, grumpy' is a commonplace synonym.

ornery: Explore its Definition & Usage

ornery Definition

1bad-tempered and combative
2difficult to deal with or control

Using ornery: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "ornery" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
He was in an ornery mood all day.
Example
The ornery old man refused to help anyone.
Example
The horse was known for being ornery and difficult to ride.
Example
She has an ornery personality that can be hard to handle.

ornery Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for ornery

Antonyms for ornery

Phrases with ornery

ornery cuss
a person who is bad-tempered and difficult to deal with
Example
He's an ornery cuss who never has anything nice to say.
ornery as a snake
extremely bad-tempered and difficult to deal with
Example
Watch out for him when he's in a bad mood - he can be ornery as a snake.
ornery critter
an animal that is difficult to handle or control
Example
That bull is an ornery critter - you don't want to mess with him.

Origins of ornery

originally American English, from dialect 'ordinary', meaning 'inferior quality'

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Summary: ornery in Brief

'Ornery' [awr-nuh-ree] describes someone or something that is bad-tempered, combative, or difficult to deal with. It is often used to describe people, animals, or moods, as in 'He was in an ornery mood all day.' 'Ornery' can also be used in phrases like 'ornery cuss' or 'ornery as a snake,' both of which emphasize the extreme nature of the behavior.