Which word conveys irritability, especially towards trivial matters?

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Study for the SAT Vocabulary 2025 Test. Master vocabulary with flashcards and questions, each with detailed explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The word that conveys irritability, especially towards trivial matters, is "peevish." This term is used to describe someone who is easily annoyed or annoyed by small, insignificant issues. When someone is peeveish, they exhibit a sharpness or fretfulness that can surface over minor inconveniences, making them seem cranky or querulous about things that others may find unbothering.

In contrast, the other words carry different meanings: "mercurial" relates to someone who is unpredictable or changeable, particularly in mood; "gregarious" describes someone who is sociable and enjoys being in the company of others, and "melancholy" refers to a deep, persistent sadness or a reflective sadness. Thus, while the other terms either denote a quality unrelated to irritability or emotions that are not about trivial matters, "peevish" perfectly encapsulates the idea of being irritable over small annoyances.