78 entries under difficult topic. ×

5
surly(adjective, mean, nasty, delicate)
5
unruly(adjective, negative, hostile, different)
4
bad-tempered(adjective, mean, sharp, delicate)
4
combative(adjective, mean, sharp, nasty)
4
peevish(adjective, sensitive, irritable, touchy)
4
querulous(adjective, mean, delicate, cross)
4
snappish(adjective, mean, nervous, irritable)
4
truculent(adjective, nasty, informal, rude)
3
petulant(adjective, mean, delicate, cross)
3
argumentative(adjective, mean, nasty, hostile)
3
awkward(adjective, rough, rude, coarse)
3
bellicose(adjective, mean, sharp, nasty)
3
belligerent(adjective, mean, sharp, nasty)
3
captious(adjective, mean, evil, sharp, nasty)
3
choleric(adjective, delicate, sensitive, irritable)
3
cross-grained(irritable, grumpy, cantankerous, crusty)
3
excitable(adjective, energetic, passionate, lively)
3
fiery(adjective, energetic, passionate, lively)
3
huffy(mean, cross, sensitive, irritable)
3
obstinate(adjective, mean, cross, negative)
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APASmart Define. (2015). ornery thesaurus. Retrieved September 23, 2026, from https://smartdefine.org/ornery/thesaurus/synonyms
ChicagoSmart Define. 2015. "ornery thesaurus" https://smartdefine.org/ornery/thesaurus/synonyms (accessed September 23, 2026).
HarvardSmart Define 2015, ornery thesaurus, Smart Define, viewed 23 September, 2026, <https://smartdefine.org/ornery/thesaurus/synonyms>.
MLASmart Define. "ornery thesaurus" 30 November 2015. Web. 23 September 2026. <https://smartdefine.org/ornery/thesaurus/synonyms>