bristled

VERB

become upset, excited

Synonyms

STRONGEST

bridle fume seethe

STRONG

boil flare rage rise ruffle spit swell

WEAK

be angry be infuriated be maddened blow up boil over flare up get one's dander up see red stand on end

Antonyms

STRONGEST

be happy

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.

Standout reporting on Colossal has been done by Michael Le Page of the British journal New Scientist, whose most recent article bristled with skeptical takes about the hatchling announcement from established scientists.

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2026

Carrick bristled when the term 'on the beach' was used in relation to a team that is virtually guaranteed to finish third regardless of what happens in their final three matches.

From BBC • May 9, 2026

Michael Lucia initially bristled at the name, convinced it was out of touch and elitist.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

During the podcast interview, Moreno-Gama bristled at stereotypes of hysterical “AI doomers.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

Back at school, however, he bristled with resentment.

From "Escape from Camp 14: One Man's Remarkable Odyssey from North Korea to Freedom in the West" by Blaine Harden