bristles 1 of 2

plural of bristle
as in fibers
a thin, flexible structure that resembles a hair a hairbrush with plastic bristles

Synonyms & Similar Words

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bristles

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of bristle

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 bristles
Noun
Use a silicone broom, which is more effective at picking up pet hair than traditional corn brooms that tend to trap hair in the slightly sticky bristles. Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Sep. 2025 Avoid brushes, brooms, and vacuums with hard bristles, steel wool, scouring pads, and eraser sponges. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 1 Sep. 2025 Start by removing any dirt with a dry brush that has soft bristles, Maker advises; hold the shoe vertically so anything loose will fall off. Angela Haupt, Time, 25 Aug. 2025 The American Dental Association recommends soft bristles, and the experts said the size and shape of the toothbrush head (rectangular or circle) depends on the size of your mouth and other personal factors. Elizabeth Cohen, NBC news, 24 Aug. 2025 Traditional bristles are replaced by silicone fins on the brushroll to achieve a more thorough clean and to prevent hair from tangling around the roller. Maggie Horton, People.com, 21 Aug. 2025 Its wand, made with short bristles, grips lashes to fan them up and out with precision. Allure, 14 Aug. 2025 If you’ve been intimidated by metal bristles in the past, don’t be. Annie Blackman, Glamour, 11 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bristles
Noun
  • Finally, don't use paper towels or cloths that will leave fibers and lint behind on your screen.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 9 Sep. 2025
  • The company, which is the only German producer of the fibers, is currently supplying brands like Marc O’ Polo with nettle.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • As Alien fans know, the facehugger will impregnate its host with a Xenomorph embryo, which eventually bursts from the host's chest.
    Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The movie is a tour de force In IMAX, the format’s large screen and huge sound a perfect partner for the purple one’s charisma, which positively bursts off the screen.
    Benny Har-Even, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Marcello steps in to guide her safely down the mountain, though their connection is quickly cut short when Emily storms off to confront Gabriel and end their relationship.
    Samantha Stutsman, People.com, 26 Aug. 2025
  • With a face as crimson as her hair, Ellen storms directly into her brother Colum’s (Séamus McLean Ross) office, demanding answers.
    Lincee Ray Published, EW.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The iCarly actress always struck people as ethnically ambiguous—with lots of Reddit threads, X, Facebook, and Instagram posts speculating about her background.
    Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Davies advised checking the white star emblem on the cap, making sure the clip ring's reference number matches official examples, and ensuring the barrel threads and colour are consistent.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • On football weekends, the whole town buzzes with maroon pride, fans, and festive energy.
    Jill Robbins, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Nyhavn’s vibrant waterfront dazzles with its iconic townhouses, while Vesterbro’s gritty-chic Meatpacking District buzzes with galleries and nightlife.
    Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Fire rages through the Singha Durbar, the main administrative building for the Nepal government, in Kathmandu on September 9, 2025 amid widespread protests.
    Alia Shoaib, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
  • As war rages in Europe, the two children navigate danger and secrets that challenge their understanding of family and friendship, reshaping their childhoods forever.
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The pantheon of rock legends brims with iconic names.
    Marco della Cava, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Almost three-quarters of the formula is propolis extract—propolis being the resin-like material made by bees that brims with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties—and supplemented with honey extract.
    Deanna Pai, Vogue, 24 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Bristles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bristles. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

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