Synonyms of bristled

bristled

verb

past tense of bristle

1

as in buzzed

to be copiously supplied

a recent college grad thrilled to be starting a new life in a city bristling with possibilities

Synonyms & Similar Words

• buzzed
• burst
• hummed
• bulged
• brimmed
• abounded
• swarmed
• bustled
• teemed
• crawled
• overflowed
• pullulated

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• needed
• wanted
• lacked

2

as in stormed

to express one's anger usually violently

the man bristled at the accusation, and threatened to file a lawsuit

Synonyms & Similar Words

• stormed
• raged
• fumed
• rampaged
• raved
• ranted
• blustered
• made a scene
• ran amok
• steamed
• seethed
• fulminated
• fretted
• carried on
• foamed
• smoldered
• flared (up)
• flipped (out)
• chafed
• stewed
• took on
• blew up
• burned

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• contained
• composed
• collected
• soothed
• suppressed
• checked
• swallowed
• restrained
• stifled
• subdued
• smothered
• tempered
• repressed
• strangled
• choked (back)
• appeased
• eased
• relaxed
• allayed
• pacified
• moderated
• curbed
• reined
• pocketed
• cooled
• settled
• quieted
• calmed
• stilled
• toned (down)
• hushed
• quelled
• let up

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of bristled

Greene purists, as well as the author himself, bristled at the way Gere’s casting transformed the story, but as pure drama the movie is riveting — and a fascinating case study in just how much a star persona can affect a film. — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 16 Oct. 2026

What’s more, two groups that fought alongside the government – Eritrea and the Fano militia from the neighboring Amhara region – bristled at being excluded from peace talks. — Siyanne Mekonnen, Christian Science Monitor, 16 Oct. 2026

Since Caitlin Clark helped drive the WNBA's popularity, left-wing sports writers have bristled at traditional fans filling arenas. — Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2026

Companies that previously touted the regulator’s strength have bristled as the agency now pursues policies specific to prediction markets. — Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 8 Oct. 2026

The moment is a test for the UAE government, which has burnished a reputation for building effective measures against extremist activities but also has bristled in the past over criticism of security lapses. — Sam Mednick, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026

Sonorous jaws bristled with the thick chin hairs of your least-favourite grandmother. — Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2026

In this case, though, the defense bristled, forcing Indy to settle for a game-tying field goal that in turn enabled the Chiefs to prevail 33-30 on Harrison Butker’s 40-yard field goal on the last play of overtime. — Kansas City Star, 21 Sep. 2026

Lawrence bristled at that charge, noting that he's been protesting data centers since last fall when a wave of new projects was proposed across the district and the state. — ABC News, 19 Sep. 2026