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 having a ‘go box’ for when you slip these surly bonds of earth.
From MarketWatch • Nov. 20, 2025
When reporters learned his cousin Buono was his suspected accomplice, they drove to Glendale but found him a surly subject.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 31, 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
Because I knew the B-block porters to be a tight and surly bunch, I thought I’d better let the crew know right away who was in charge.
From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover
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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