peevish

[ pee-vish ]

adjective

1. cross, querulous, or fretful, as from vexation or discontent:

   a peevish youngster.

   Synonyms: snappish, irritable, petulant

2. showing annoyance, irritation, or bad mood:

   a peevish reply; a peevish frown.

3. perverse or obstinate.

peevish

/ ˈpiːvɪʃ /

adjective

1. fretful or irritable

   a peevish child

2. obsolete.
   perverse

Derived Forms

• ˈpeevishness, noun
• ˈpeevishly, adverb

Other Words From

• peevish·ly adverb
• peevish·ness noun
• un·peevish adjective
• un·peevish·ly adverb
• un·peevish·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of peevish¹

1350–1400; Middle English pevysh of unknown origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of peevish¹

C14: of unknown origin

Synonym Study

See cross.

Example Sentences

Alito’s apparent obliviousness to conflicts of interest and his penchant for peevish shows of right-wing partisanship are second only to those of his Republican-appointed colleague Justice Clarence Thomas, spouse of “Stop the Steal” schemer Ginni Thomas.

From Seattle Times

“He looks startled,” Reed said of the president’s peevish performance.

From Los Angeles Times

Even when he was trying to sound upbeat, the river of resentment would burble up in his mannerisms and his peevish voice.

From Salon

Like the peevish alien Roger from American Dad, Sam’s general attitude toward the human world in which he finds himself is equal parts incomprehension and condescension.

From Slate

Placing his Howard in a pen with Short's jumpy, cheerfully peevish Oliver is perfect.

From Salon