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
She is surly and rude to nearly everyone she meets.
From New York Times • May 8, 2024
Once they had slept off their exhaustion, and got used to regular meals again and regained some weight, the mood was sour or surly, even among those without permanent disabilities.
From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan
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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