Bristly (Adjective)
Meaning 1
Having or covered with protective barbs or quills or spines or thorns or setae etc.; "a horse with a short bristly mane"; "bristly shrubs"; "burred fruits"; "setaceous whiskers".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Synonyms
Related Words
Meaning 2
Very irritable; "bristly exchanges between the White House and the press"; "he became prickly and spiteful"; "witty and waspish about his colleagues".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The manager was in a bristly mood, snapping at anyone who dared to approach him.
- Her bristly demeanor made it clear that she was not open to feedback or criticism.
- The two politicians engaged in a series of bristly debates, each trying to outmaneuver the other.
- After a few too many rejections, the artist became bristly and defensive about his work.
- The usually affable professor was bristly and short-tempered on the day of the final exam.