Peevish

Quick meaning: Peevish is an adjective meaning Constantly complaining, especially in a childish way due to insignificant matters; fretful, whiny.

Meaning

Constantly complaining, especially in a childish way due to insignificant matters; fretful, whiny.

More Meanings

1. Quick to become bad-tempered or cross, especially due to insignificant matters; irritable, pettish, petulant.
2. (Canada, Northern England, figurative) Of weather: blustery, windy; also, of wind: cold and strong; bitter, sharp.
3. Coy, modest.
4. Foolish, silly.
5. Harmful, injurious; also, mischievous; or malicious, spiteful.
6. Impulsive and unpredictable; capricious, fickle.
7. Obstinately in the wrong; perverse, stubborn.

Example Sentences

I would rather figure things out on my own than ask that peevish librarian for help.

Due to the long wait, there were several peevish patients in the doctor’s waiting room.

There is E——, […] querulous and dictatorial, and with a peevish whine in his voice like a beaten school-boy.

The follest slouen ondyr heuen, / Prowde, peuiche, lyddyr, and lewde, / Malapert, medyllar, nothyng well thewde, […]

Synonyms for peevish

Depending on context, synonyms include bemoaning, carping, complaining, fretful, gripeful, gripey.

Antonyms for peevish

Common opposites include expressionless, happy, calm, impassive, patient, phlegmatic.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include pettish, ill-natured, testy, tetchy, irritable, petulant.

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