BURLY Synonyms: 81 Similar and Opposite Words

burly

adjective

ˈbər-lē

Definition of burly

as in athletic

strongly and heavily built a burly delivery man brought the furniture

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 burly Waving and smiling, Aveiro, accompanied by a burly gentleman, takes a seat at a table bedecked with a bouquet of roses, ready to tuck into some cuisine from her native country. — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026 Accompanied by two burly law enforcement officers and with a military-style helicopter in the background, Uthmeier declared this was the perfect spot for a detention center. — Jim Defede, CBS News, 28 June 2026 There was the 29-oz (822-g) Hyperlite Crosspeak 1, but beyond that, the heavy, burly expedition tents have stolen the spotlight. — New Atlas, 28 June 2026 The burly bureaucrat in dark slacks and a navy sweater has a scruffy beard and the frazzled look of an anonymous factotum thrust into the limelight. — Joshua Hunt, Vanity Fair, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for burly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for burly

Adjective

This was some 50 pallets containing more than 150,000 pieces of athletic gear – 6,500 pairs of shoes alone – all of which had to be sorted by team and distributed across campus in less than a month.

— Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
The athletic department added a fifth water station on Saturday to give fans more options.

— Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of athletic

Adjective

So the Armani Beauty team took the time to build a present, long-lasting, powerful scent.

— Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 6 Aug. 2026
This formula is light as a feather and hydrating, sort of like a hyaluronic acid serum that’s powerful yet quick to sink into the skin.

— Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of powerful

Adjective

Tyler, after a brief recovery period, returned to the recording studio with a huskier, edgier voice.

— Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
The extravagant, hi-NRG single showcased the breadth of Tyler’s husky grandeur, which proved a perfect fit for Giorgio Moroder.

— Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 9 July 2026

Definition of husky

Adjective

My love is unconditional and nothing will separate me from your cheesy beefy burrito and avocado chicken stacker.

— Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 31 July 2026
This version ranks among Orange County’s best, delivering a satisfying snap and enough beefy richness without turning into mush.

— Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 30 July 2026

Definition of beefy

Adjective

The Rays, Cleveland Guardians, Detroit Tigers and San Francisco Giants spent every dollar; the Houston Astros saved one mighty buck and the spend-thrift Los Angeles Dodgers kept $20.

— Chuck Murr, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
The Royals made a mighty effort to re-sign Beltran after the 2013 season that featured Brett being in on it.

— Vahe Gregorian July 29, Kansas City Star, 29 July 2026

Definition of mighty

Adjective

Starship will be key to building and maintaining this constellation, which will require many launches of the brawny, fully reusable rocket.

— Mike Wall, Space.com, 31 July 2026
The two athletic conferences standing have schools in 26 states, a brawny bipartisan geographic and political footprint.

— Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 20 July 2026

Definition of brawny

Adjective

While most of the onigiri in Japanese convenience stores and markets is designed for snacking, Choe’s onigiri are hulking, chunky rounded triangles of rice and filling that each weigh at least half a pound.

— Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026
For many travelers, King Salmon serves as the home base for exploring Katmai National Park and Preserve, where hulking brown bears congregate along the Brooks River each summer to feast as sockeye salmon surge upstream to spawn.

— Bailey Berg, Travel + Leisure, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of hulking

Adjective

Robinson produced at least two would-be sacks, forced and recovered a fumble and was stout against the run for most of the day.

— Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026
It’s been a little more than a week since a stout, scrappy raccoon captured the internet's heart, and Jimothy mania is showing no signs of slowing down.

— Drew Pittock, USA Today, 25 July 2026

Definition of stout

Browse Nearby Words

burliness

burly

burn

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“Burly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burly. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of burly

adjective

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