as in irritable
easily irritated or annoyed
that coworker would be easier to get along with if she weren't so testy all the time
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Recent Examples of testy
The exchanges, at a debate sponsored by the Republican Club of Van Zandt County, marked an increasingly testy fight ahead of the March 3 GOP primary to fill the seat left open after Paxton decided to run for the Senate.
—
From Staff Reports, Dallas Morning News, 20 Jan. 2026
The second head-to-head is even more testy.
—Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 16 Jan. 2026
While every player still holds Diggs in warm regards, the group expects a testy game against the receiver.
—Sam Warren, Houston Chronicle, 15 Jan. 2026
In one of his first public acts in the role, Tanner challenged Little’s budget proposal in a testy exchange with Lori Wolff, Little’s budget director, and in a news release.
—Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for testy
From Staff Reports, Dallas Morning News, 20 Jan. 2026
The second head-to-head is even more testy.
—Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 16 Jan. 2026
While every player still holds Diggs in warm regards, the group expects a testy game against the receiver.
—Sam Warren, Houston Chronicle, 15 Jan. 2026
In one of his first public acts in the role, Tanner challenged Little’s budget proposal in a testy exchange with Lori Wolff, Little’s budget director, and in a news release.
—Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for testy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for testy
Adjective
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Lack of sleep can lead to a range of problems, including feeling more irritable.—
Michelle Mastro,
The Spruce,
7 Feb. 2026
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On the contrary, Juventus’ football soothed even the most irritable sections of the crowd.—
James Horncastle,
New York Times,
26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The fiery meeting at the South Shore Cultural Center began with local Ald.—
Alice Yin,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Feb. 2026
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House Democrats clashed with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Wednesday during a fiery hearing on Capitol Hill that devolved into shouting matches and throwing sharp elbows.—
Fritz Farrow,
ABC News,
4 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Testy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/testy. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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