testy

adjective

tes·​ty ˈte-stē How to pronounce testy (audio)
testier; testiest
Synonyms of testynext
1
: easily annoyed : irritable
2
: marked by impatience or ill humor
testy remarks
testily adverb
testiness noun

Examples of testy in a Sentence

that coworker would be easier to get along with if she weren't so testy all the time
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Dreher emerged from the conservative blogosphere in the 2000s and won fans with his daily stream of testy opinions and unguarded anecdotal writing. Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 13 Feb. 2026 In China, consumerism appears to outweigh nationalism regardless of how testy relations have become in recent diplomatic spats with countries like Japan and the United States. Chan Ho-Him, Fortune, 10 Feb. 2026 The game had moments of testy exchanges between the clubs, the Fire in their striking red uniforms and the Law in ominous black tops. Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 1 Feb. 2026 Tearful at times and testy at others, Denver developer Brian Watson defended his actions and those of his company Tuesday, five years after both became surrounded by scandal. Justin Wingerter, Denver Post, 28 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for testy

Word History

Etymology

Middle English testif, from Anglo-French, headstrong, from teste head — more at tester entry 2

First Known Use

1523, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of testy was in 1523

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Testy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/testy. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

testy

adjective
tes·​ty ˈtes-tē How to pronounce testy (audio)
testier; testiest
: easily annoyed : irritable
testily adverb
testiness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on testy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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