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

This was an older, edgier, and even darker Wednesday (Jenna Ortega) than the dour young girl Christina Ricci made famous in the 1990s. —ArsTechnica, 23 Apr. 2025

In addition to its permanent collection, the museum is known for its edgy exhibitions, like a recent one that examined sexuality in Lithuania during Soviet days. —Joe Yogerst, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025

The network has handed a greenlight to The Snake, a social experiment competition series hosted by edgy standup comedian Jim Jefferies. —Peter White, Deadline, 22 Apr. 2025

The edgy collars and clothing are available now in sizes for all dogs, from XS to XL, with prices ranging from $15 to $95 on FreakOnALeash.com. —Anna Chan, Billboard, 22 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1775, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for edgy

• pledgee
• veggie

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