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
I recommend having a ‘go box’ for when you slip these surly bonds of earth.
From MarketWatch • Nov. 20, 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
Somehow he wrangles a group of five surly boys until one of their rich fathers comes through and whisks away four.
From Salon • Feb. 16, 2024
Smith, for some reason not his usual surly self, laughed with them, saying he hadn’t been aware that the dockers and reporters were still there.
From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand
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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