surly
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.
See Examples For:
It’s not hard to see why Platner is so surly in his 11-minute Wednesday video announcing that he would end his campaign.
From Slate ● Jul. 11, 2026
His 2023 “Flora and Son” was about a surly single mother who picks up a guitar and discovers that her life doesn’t change that much.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 28, 2026
Beca is a surly delinquent of questionable judgment.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 10, 2026
I recommend having a ‘go box’ for when you slip these surly bonds of earth.
From MarketWatch ● Nov. 20, 2025
Peeta is more patient, but I become fed up and surly.
From "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins
He was a surly, proud character who only got surlier and prouder in his old age.
From Slate ● Feb. 10, 2020
As you enjoy your coq au vin this summer in a quaint Parisian bistro, you may find the staff even surlier than usual.
From Slate ● Jul. 24, 2014
After another pricey ride with an even surlier cab driver, our first night at Book Expo was drawing to a close.
From Time ● May 30, 2013
Even without the cachet of the Big Apple or the championship pedigree of at least one of the teams, Chicago’s intra-city rivalry may be the surlier of the two.
From New York Times ● Jun. 20, 2011
Viktor Krum looked even surlier than usual, which Harry supposed was his way of showing nerves.
From "Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire" by J. K. Rowling
The other is the latest, and perhaps surliest, entry in the crowded field of shows about teens trying to fit in.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 26, 2021
Unsurprisingly, the surliest one turns out to be Willow’s mom.
From Washington Post ● Apr. 10, 2019
To be fair, the surliest cities also tend to be the biggest and most fast-paced, which may give visitors an air of indifference—whether it’s intentional or not.
From Time ● Aug. 13, 2015
At the end of the Kettleman’s story arc, the great Jonathan Banks gets to do something besides be the world’s surliest parking attendant.
From Forbes ● Feb. 17, 2015
Her smile, when she spoke, was so contagious, that I would have defied the surliest man alive to have maintained his surliness when he found himself in front of it.
From Between the Dark and the Daylight by Marsh, Richard
Vocabulary lists containing surly
The Vocabulary.com Top 1000
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The New SAT: Words to Capture Tone
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The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 7
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