edgy

adjective

ˈe-jē 

edgier; edgiest

1

: having an edge : sharp

2

a

: being on edge : tense, irritable

b

: characterized by tension

edgy negotiations

3

: having a bold, provocative, or unconventional quality

an edgy film

edgily

ˈe-jə-lē 

adverb

edginess

ˈe-jē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• aflutter
• antsy
• anxious
• atwitter
• dithery
• goosey
• het up
• hinky [slang]
• hung up
• ill at ease
• insecure
• jittery
• jumpy
• nervous
• nervy
• perturbed
• queasy
• queazy
• tense
• troubled
• uneasy
• unquiet
• upset
• uptight
• worried

Examples of edgy in a Sentence

Too much coffee makes me edgy.

Why are you so edgy?

Their relationship has always been edgy.

one of the director's edgier films

Recent Examples on the Web

Young people tend to favor political personalities perceived as edgy, rebellious and countercultural. —Charles Trepany, USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 2024

The preppy style staple is an unexpected pairing with something as edgy as black leather pants, but the flat front, side slit pockets, and clean wide waistband add smart tailoring to these relaxed travel-friendly bottoms. —Nneya Richards, Travel + Leisure, 20 Nov. 2024

Their personas seem derived from the unruly and edgy rockstars of the past. —Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 4 Nov. 2024

Bottoms is a must-watch for fans looking for a more modern and edgy alternative to Mean Girls. —Jane Lacroix, People.com, 2 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1775, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

edgy

adjective

ˈej-ē 

edgier; edgiest

1

: having an edge : sharp

2

: tense entry 2 sense 2, irritable

spoke with an edgy tone

edgily

ˈej-ə-lē 

adverb

edginess

ˈej-ē-nəs 

noun