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
She’s entering surly adolescence like a hot comet and not thrilled to have a new stepmother.
From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2024
She is surly and rude to nearly everyone she meets.
From New York Times • May 8, 2024
Milton, growing surly at this new development, threw barbs across the dinner table.
From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides
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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