bristle 1 of 2

noun

ˈbri-səl How to pronounce bristle (audio)
Definition of bristlenext
as in fiber
a thin, flexible structure that resembles a hair a hairbrush with plastic bristles

Synonyms & Similar Words

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bristle

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to burst
to be copiously supplied a recent college grad thrilled to be starting a new life in a city bristling with possibilities

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to storm
to express one's anger usually violently the man bristled at the accusation, and threatened to file a lawsuit

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of bristle
Noun
The fluffy brush made with vegan bristles is angled for flawless foundation application. — Tessa Petak, InStyle, 27 June 2026 Olikara, who grew up around Wisconsin’s farmland, bristles at how routinely rural America is flattened into caricature. — Afdhel Aziz, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Verb
China understands this reality as well as anyone and, like many countries, has bristled at this enormous concentration of power for decades. — Dewardric L. McNeal, CNBC, 28 June 2026 Hollis buries herself in work in an attempt to escape her complicated grief, while aspiring filmmaker Caroline copes by making snarky remarks and bristling at her mom's efforts to connect. — Clarissa Cruz, Entertainment Weekly, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for bristle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bristle
  1. fiber
  2. burst
  3. storm
  4. thread
  5. bulge
  6. rage
  7. wire
  8. buzz
Noun
  • Tips for a Balanced Breakfast Protein can help balance a rise in blood sugar levels, while fiber can help contribute to protein’s ability to promote satiety and feelings of fullness.
    — Verywell Health, Verywell Health, 5 July 2026
  • During this curing stage, chemical reactions harden the resin and lock the fibers together into a strong, lightweight structure.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 5 July 2026
Definition of fiber
Verb
  • However, the extravagant nature of such spending appears to be a bubble that has now burst, especially given the obvious failure to build a domestic talent pool.
    — Simon Chadwick, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • When fire crews arrived on scene, the fire had consumed multiple rooms and had burst through the roof of one of the three hotel buildings.
    — Bryce Buyakie, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Definition of burst
Verb
  • Trump stormed out of a June 7 interview with current moderator Kristen Welker in Wisconsin.
    — Jay Stahl, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • The Cavaliers won the 2015-2016 championship in a remarkable series in which Cleveland stormed back from a 3-1 deficit to win in seven games, a first in finals history.
    — Austin Turner, CBS News, 30 June 2026
Definition of storm
Noun
  • What little threads remain of our democracy must be protected.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 6 July 2026
  • The common thread between these two looks is the triangle halter neckline, with straps that meet at the neck and accentuates the shoulders.
    — Tatiana Ojea, Glamour, 5 July 2026
Definition of thread
Verb
  • Monday’s home run props will hopefully right the ship and bulge the profits, creating more wiggle room for another drought.
    — Josh Shepardson, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
  • Schoenaerts menacingly grins his way through the movie, with appealingly bulging eyes.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 June 2026
Definition of bulge
Verb
  • The possible flare of Marburg in Uganda will only add to the challenges of responding to the overwhelming Ebola outbreak raging in the neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo.
    — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 2 July 2026
  • Still, if someone argued otherwise, Smith and his ilk would rage in fury.
    — Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of rage
Noun
  • That includes arranging seat belts into place and manipulating small fastenings; working with delicate parts like hoses, wires, carpets and trim panels and supervising technology on the floor.
    — AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 6 July 2026
  • There were four vehicles involved in the crash, and a utility pole with communication wires was down, said Jennifer Middleton, a Los Angeles Fire Department spokeswoman.
    — City News Service, Daily News, 6 July 2026
Definition of wire
Verb
  • For the most recent earnings season, these forecasting fruit flies buzzed around modeling 12% earnings growth for the quarter.
    — Brett Owens, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
  • As the train approaches Portland, the view shifts again, with bridges, waterways, and buzzing streets.
    — Abby Price, Travel + Leisure, 4 July 2026
Definition of buzz

Browse Nearby Words

briskness
bristle
bristled
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bristle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bristle. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on bristle

Nglish: Translation of bristle for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bristle

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