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Definition of cantankerous

cantankerous

/kænˈtæŋ.kɚ.əs/
can · tan · ker · ous
Adverb:cantankerously
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cantankerous Lexical Profile

cantankerous Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Bad-tempered, argumentative, and uncooperative.

Example

"The cantankerous shopkeeper complained loudly whenever customers took too long to choose their items."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for cantankerous
Antonyms
View all antonyms for cantankerous

• Rhymes for cantankerous

• Nearby Words

cant
cantabrian
cantaloupe
cantankerous
cantankerously
cantata
canteen

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the mid-18th century, the word is likely a humorous blend or alteration of Middle English 'conteke' (meaning 'strife' or 'contention', from Old French) and 'rancorous' or 'cankerous'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Cantankerous. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/cantankerous
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