carp
Meaning: to complain or find fault repeatedly
Usage: The critic carped about minor flaws in an otherwise excellent play.
exasperate
Meaning: to irritate, irk
Usage: George’s endless complaints exasperated his roommate.
fractious
Meaning: troublesome or irritable
Usage: Although the child insisted he wasn’t tired, his fractious behavior—especially his decision to crush his cheese and crackers all over the floor—convinced everyone present that it was time to put him to bed.
querulous
Meaning: whiny, complaining
Usage: If deprived of his pacifier, young Brendan becomes querulous.
umbrage
Meaning: resentment, offense
Usage: He called me a lily-livered coward, and I took umbrage at the insult.
irascible
Meaning: easily angered
Usage: At the smallest provocation, my irascible cat will begin scratching and clawing.