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.

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 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

He was a long time thinking but finally he saw and stumbled down the steps with a surly “’Bye.”

From "Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston