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.
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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
Beca is a surly delinquent of questionable judgment.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 10, 2026
If we had wind chimes, it would’ve been a Lollapalooza monsoon of surly zephyrs all the livelong night.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 23, 2025
I recommend having a ‘go box’ for when you slip these surly bonds of earth.
From MarketWatch ● Nov. 20, 2025
“Saw him on his way to the grave then,” said the surly bald man.
From "Between Shades of Gray" by Ruta Sepetys
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
“He’s basically a surlier version of myself,” Mr. Elliott said.
From New York Times ● Jan. 30, 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
His kids — including the surliest teens this side of the Atlantic — want nothing to do with him.
From Washington Post ● Aug. 13, 2021
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
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
It would have pleased the surliest old ship captain who ever peeped over a binnacle edge, to have two such listeners as young Leon and Doug.
From Born to Wander A Boy's Book of Nomadic Adventures by Stables, Gordon
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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