Synonyms for surly
- adjective
Definitions
- adj. 1
Irritated, bad-tempered, unfriendly.
Choose the right word
A surly person is in a state of latent anger, resenting approach as intrusion, and ready to take offense at anything; thus we speak of a surly dog. Sullen and sulky moods may be transitory; one who is morose or surly is commonly so by disposition or habit.
J. C. Fernald, English Synonyms and Antonyms (1914)
Example sentences
- grumpy Tom said that Mary was likely to still be grumpy.
- grouchy Tom said that Mary was likely to still be grouchy.
- churlish Annoyed at the churlish rebuff, I turned my back and walked home.
- peevish Tom woke up feeling rather peevish.
By length
- 3 letters
- ill1
- 4 letters
- ugly2, rude1
- 5 letters
- harsh1, gruff1, testy2, sulky
- 6 letters
- grumpy2, gloomy2, crusty2, sullen2, morose2
- 7 letters
- grouchy2, peevish2
- 8 letters
- petulant3, churlish2, choleric3
- 9 letters
- irritable4
- 12 letters
- cantankerous4
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (ugly2 = 2 syllables).