Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

are bristling

  • present progressive
    of bristle.
    bristle
    noun
    one of the short, stiff, coarse hairs of certain animals, especially hogs, used extensively in making brushes.

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.

See Examples For:

Countries are pushing the president to stick to deals made last year, and some are bristling at U.S. allegations of unfair trade practices.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 16, 2026

For one thing, many are bristling with errors.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 25, 2023

Our skies are filled with molecules called ions that are bristling with electric energy.

From Salon ● Oct. 26, 2022

Satellite imagery suggests that China's new islands are bristling with advanced sensors including radar arrays and satellite communications stations, all of which bolster its navy's situational awareness above and below the South China Sea.

From BBC ● Jul. 10, 2016

I imagine that some of you, particularly those who are diehard cola drinkers, are bristling at this point.

From "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell