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.

The presence of the surly uncle, insufferable in-law, or grating girlfriend at the holiday table can make it hard to truly count one’s blessings.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 21, 2025

I recommend creating a “go box” for your family to have when you slip these surly bonds of earth.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 20, 2025

That said, it was adorably quaint to see the recent midseason cliffhanger brawl be kicked off by a surly Russian sensei that resembles Zangief from “Street Fighter.”

From Salon • Feb. 13, 2025

She also had to get used to the idea of who Lydia had become: a widowed mother with a surly unfun daughter who doesn’t believe in ghosts, dating a suspiciously doting hanger-on.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 28, 2024

I guess this is the look now: surly aggression.

From "Cat's Eye" by Margaret Atwood