Ornery: meaning, definitions and examples

Often used to describe someone who is stubborn, hard to please, or difficult to deal with, especially in a challenging or mischievous way. It has a slightly more playful tone compared to the other words.

• My ornery old cat refuses to eat anything but the most expensive gourmet food.
• He can be quite ornery when he’s tired, arguing about anything and everything.

Refers to someone who is easily annoyed and bad-tempered. This word is often used to describe a temporary state, such as being in a bad mood for a short period of time.

• He was grumpy all morning because he missed his coffee.
• Don’t take it personally, he’s just grumpy because he didn’t sleep well.

Used to describe someone who is irritable or easily annoyed. It is a more informal and everyday term, often used in casual conversation, particularly to describe temporary bad moods.

• After a long day at work, he’s always a bit cranky.
• The baby is cranky because she hasn’t had her nap yet.

Typically refers to someone who is bad-tempered, argumentative, and uncooperative. It's generally used to describe older people or characters with a consistently difficult disposition.

• The cantankerous neighbor complained about the noise every single day.
• She was a cantankerous old woman who didn’t care about anyone else’s opinion.

Ornery is used to describe someone who is grumpy, bad-tempered, or difficult to deal with, often in a playful or endearing way. It can also refer to animals exhibiting stubborn behavior.

• 'Grandpa can be quite ornery before his morning coffee
• ' 'The ornery mule refused to move an inch
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Obstinate is used to describe someone who stubbornly refuses to change their opinion or course of action, despite attempts to persuade them otherwise. It has a negative connotation.

• 'He was obstinate about not needing help, even when it was obvious he did
• ' 'The obstinate child refused to eat his vegetables
• '

Intractable is used to describe someone or something that is very difficult or impossible to control, manage, or solve. Typically used in formal or serious contexts.

• 'The intractable problem of climate change requires innovative solutions
• ' 'Some patients with intractable pain need specialized care
• '

Contrary refers to someone who frequently opposes or disagrees with others, often just for the sake of being different. It can be used in a neutral or mildly negative sense.

• 'She has a contrary opinion on almost every topic
• ' 'He's always contrary just to start an argument
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