BRISTLY Synonyms: 34 Similar and Opposite Words

bristly

adjective

ˈbris-lē

Definition of bristly

as in shaggy

covered with or as if with hair although pigs look hairless, they're actually bristly creatures

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of bristly Called Utah arrays, they are made of hard silicon and look a bit like the bristly part of a hairbrush. — WIRED, 19 Aug. 2022 Thirteen Lives reminds me of Ron Howard's Apollo 13 for its bristly character moments, people caught in extremis. — Joshua Rothkopf, EW.com, 6 Aug. 2022 Hedgehogs are small mammals, known for their coats, which are covered with bristly spines. — Washington Post, 10 Mar. 2021 Like farmers tilling and watering their fields, the yeti crab dutifully tends its crop by waving its bristly arms. — Elizabeth Preston, Discover Magazine, 2 Dec. 2011 See All Example Sentences for bristly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bristly

Adjective

The shaggy golden Saint Berdoodle was killed on June 13 by an LAPD officer while bounding out of Marseille’s Canoga Park apartment.

— Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
Yeoh sported a shaggy platinum crop with dark roots peeping through, pairing her transformation with one of the brand’s signature skirt suits.

— Hannah Malach, InStyle, 7 July 2026

Definition of shaggy

Adjective

This daring accessory was first debuted in Schiaparelli’s fall 2024 ready-to-wear collection, and the hairy tie has been making the rounds with other celebrities such as Selma Blair.

— Christian Allaire, Vogue, 6 July 2026
The ambitious series will debut new episodes later this year, making this the perfect time to prop up your hairy feet and marathon the first two seasons.

— Matt Cabral, Entertainment Weekly, 22 June 2026

Definition of hairy

Adjective

Rabbit’s wide-leg EZ Pants are made of a silky, breathable blend of polyester and spandex, which keeps them airy and lends to their impressive quick-drying and anti-chafing properties.

— Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 10 July 2026
Strain it through a fine-mesh sieve for an extra-silky finish.

— Monti Carlo, AJC.com, 10 July 2026

Definition of silky

Browse Nearby Words

bristling

bristly

britches

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“Bristly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bristly. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of bristly

adjective

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