bristled

VERB

become upset, excited

Synonyms

STRONGEST

bridle fume seethe

STRONG

boil flare rage rise ruffle spit swell

WEAK

be angry be infuriated be maddened blow up boil over flare up get one's dander up see red stand on end

Antonyms

STRONGEST

be happy

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Customers have bristled at the higher upfront cost and have mentioned in online reviews that they wish the tiles had perforations for more adjustable dosing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 22, 2026

Carrick bristled when the term 'on the beach' was used in relation to a team that is virtually guaranteed to finish third regardless of what happens in their final three matches.

From BBC • May 9, 2026

During the podcast interview, Moreno-Gama bristled at stereotypes of hysterical “AI doomers.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

Others bristled at the Mayor’s comparison of the freeway and public transit.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

All the way up through the walls I bristled with things I felt like saying to Lamont, things he needed to hear.

From "Secrets at Sea" by Richard Peck