Example Sentences

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 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 Sandstrom’s most recent Squonk is a hairy, wart-covered monster with bristly, unkempt fur, fangs, and ears that curve down submissively. Steven Litt, cleveland, 19 Apr. 2020 The authors dutifully report that each pappus, the bristly head of a seed, contains 100 rod-like filaments on average, each about 7.4 mm long and 16.3 μm thick. Bill Andrews, Discover Magazine, 18 Oct. 2018 See All Example Sentences for bristly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bristly
Adjective
  • As for Myers' short, textured locks, hairstylist DJ Quintero had rom-com queen Meg Ryan in mind; specifically her shaggy look in When Harry Met Sally.
    Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Big curly cuts, bold afros, tight fades, shaggy layers, or a sharp bob—that’s my zone.
    Larry Stansbury, Essence, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Flowers of the Cristata group look like hairy brains.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The heist and rescue – followed by a zookeeper’s lesson about the hairy, multilegged creatures – gave me a new respect for the spiders and the keepers at the Cincinnati Zoo and a fascinating story to share with our readers.
    Terry DeMio, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Formulated for normal to dry skin, this gentle daily facial cleanser transforms from a silky oil to a soft, lathering foam that deeply cleanses your skin, effectively removing dirt, excess oil and stubborn makeup without clogging pores, leaving residue or a greasy feeling.
    Adam Mills, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Pair these sleek wide-leg jeans with a button-down shirt, or a silky blouse and heels for an office-appropriate style.
    Jessie Quinn, Flow Space, 3 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Bristly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bristly. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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