curmudgeonly
Like a grouch
Curmudgeonly describes someone ill-tempered, stubborn, and inclined to complain—the manner of a curmudgeon.
The word often carries a hint of affection, suggesting grumpiness that's more cantankerous than truly mean-spirited: a curmudgeonly old professor, He gave a curmudgeonly grunt and returned to his newspaper.
Irritable in temperament
- cantankerousBad-tempered and argumentative
- irritableEasily provoked to annoyance
- grouchyEasily annoyed, ill-tempered
- crabbyIll-tempered, easily annoyed
testy · peevish · cross · snappish · irascible · ornery · petulant · querulous
Doubting human goodness
- pessimisticExpecting negative outcomes
- misanthropicLoathing of humankind
- bitterSharp, unpleasant taste
- resentfulFeeling lingering ill will
distrustful · skeptical · jaded · disaffected · jaundiced · world-weary · disillusioned · scornful
grumpy
Irritable in temperament
- cantankerousBad-tempered and argumentative
- irritableEasily provoked to annoyance
- grouchyEasily annoyed, ill-tempered
crabby · testy · peevish · cross · snappish · irascible · ornery · petulant · querulous · fretful
cynical
Doubting human goodness
- pessimisticExpecting negative outcomes
- misanthropicLoathing of humankind
- bitterSharp, unpleasant taste
resentful · distrustful · skeptical · jaded · disaffected · jaundiced · world-weary · disillusioned · scornful · disdainful
gruff
Harsh in manner
- brusqueAbrupt and dismissive
- crustyHard-shelled, literally or figuratively
- surlyBad-tempered and unfriendly
dour · abrasive · ungracious · taciturn · blunt · curt · short-tempered · acerbic · sardonic · sour
codger
Crusty elderly man
- grouchHabitually irritable person
- crankRotary operating handle
- malcontentChronically dissatisfied person
sourpuss · killjoy · Scrooge · grinch · grumbler · faultfinder · naysayer · old-timer · fogey · bellyacher
curmudgeonlywarm
Moderately heated, or friendly
friendly · welcoming · convivial · sociable · gregarious
curmudgeonlygenerous
Willing to give freely
magnanimous · openhanded · charitable · munificent · giving