ornery

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But O’Neill’s 1921 drama poses ornery challenges for an actress—and not just because Greta Garbo immortalized the role in her first “talkie.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 14, 2025

Quesada said she’d surprise him at times with funny little stories “about her more ornery days.”

From Seattle Times • Feb. 28, 2024

The Breeders’ Cup Classic attracted some horses as old as four and five — tough, ornery veterans.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 31, 2023

Even the ornery and Scrooge-like Walter can’t help but become emotional at reading that.

From Salon • Nov. 23, 2023

“Talk about wild things! Your grand-mother was the wildest, most untamed, most ornery and beautiful creature ever to grace this earth.”

From "Walk Two Moons" by Sharon Creech