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 But that hypothesis, Harland wrote in a bristly 1964 Scientific American article, was not supported by any concrete evidence. — Laura Poppick july 22, Literary Hub, 22 July 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for bristly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bristly

Adjective

The ferocious character also features shaggy black-and-orange hair that matches his tattered pants, and a large necklace adorned with teeth.

— Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 30 July 2026
In February, the actress was spotted in Los Angeles with film producer Josh Lieberman sporting a short, shaggy haircut that enhanced her natural texture.

— Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 30 July 2026

Definition of shaggy

Adjective

Her work often features naked women, sagging breasts, and hairy legs.

— Tania Azhang, Sacbee.com, 26 July 2026
Some plants are less likely to get eaten than others, namely, plants with strong fragrance and to a lesser extent, things that are hairy or heavily textured.

— Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 21 July 2026

Definition of hairy

Adjective

The star topped off the ensemble with a complementary beauty look, including her silky straight red tresses cascading down her shoulders, bright blush and a bold red lip.

— Morgan Evans, USA Today, 31 July 2026
Pull-on pants, whether silky, crafted from a linen-blend, or 100-percent cotton look so stylish thanks to their relatively simple, unfussy silhouette.

— Eva Thomas, InStyle, 31 July 2026

Definition of silky

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bristling

bristly

britches

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“Bristly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bristly. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of bristly

adjective

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