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 During the summer ski jumping season when competitors slide down ceramic or porcelain tracks and land on bristly plastic mats, the team tried to adjust to the new ski suit dimensions. — Brian Melley, Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026 And my father—lovable but imposing, a strapping six feet three inches tall with a thick, bristly mustache and a rumbling Sergeant Schultz accent that frightened my friends half to death—loved to tell stories. — CBS News, 5 Dec. 2025 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 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 See All Example Sentences for bristly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bristly

Adjective

Two years later, Swift pushed the bounds of her beauty yet again, pairing a white, deep V-cut gown with a shaggy bob.

— Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 2 July 2026
In most respects the man was unremarkable, just another shaggy head of hair in a sea of skater-boy business casual.

— Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026

Definition of shaggy

Adjective

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
The threat that these hairy tanks (some can weigh over 1,500 pounds) pose to drivers is so great that Volvo, a brand synonymous with safety, built their own life-sized rubber replica.

— Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 18 June 2026

Definition of hairy

Adjective

The eggs also act as a natural stabilizer, so this type of ice cream doesn't require other ingredients to achieve a silky texture.

— Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart, 3 July 2026
The duo of butternut squash and carrots unite in this silky smooth, bright orange soup that's perfect for spring.

— Lizzy Briskin, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 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 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of bristly

adjective

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