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 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 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 See All Example Sentences for bristly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bristly

Adjective

The world could use more shaggy hangouts and layered mysteries, let alone series that manage to be both at the same time.

— Alison Herman, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026
Using a wooden spoon or the stand mixer, mix until a shaggy dough forms.

— Hali Bey Ramdene, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of shaggy

Adjective

How decadent to have a vermouth on the rocks and sweet treats — affogato, flan, a silky strawberry panna cotta — under the half moon slung low in the sky.

— Amanda Lee Koe, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
The company says its paddings provide the same soft touch and luxurious look, lightweight and silky feel of down stuffing.

— Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 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 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of bristly

adjective

Example Sentences

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