1
as in shaggy
covered with or as if with hair
a hairy spider
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
3
as in difficult
requiring exceptional skill or caution in performance or handling
landing on that airstrip is always a hairy proposition
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in disturbing
marked by or causing agitation or uncomfortable feelings
the snowstorm made for a hairy commute back home that evening
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 hairy
Scoresby scoured the tundra with his binoculars and spotted two musk oxen—hairy hummocks on the hill.
—
Ben Taub, New Yorker, 24 Nov. 2025
With the second season of Oakley Factory Team, the shoe presents a full-grain leather upper for the Sequoia and Blue/Black colorways, and a hairy suede upper for the Triple Grey option.
—Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 12 Nov. 2025
Yes, the sweater is removable, and yes, there is a hairy, naked chest under there.
—Francesca Krempa, StyleCaster, 11 Nov. 2025
For a less hairy experience, consider trying a gold kiwi or the hardy kiwi.
—Lauren O'Connor, Health, 3 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hairy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hairy
Adjective
-
Van Sant was impressed by Elwes’s preparation and physical transformation, with his shaggy hair and bushy beard.—
-
To go with her new gal on the go lifestyle, she's chopped off her iconic perm in favor of a whimsical, shaggy pixie cut.—
Adjective
-
Since their breakout moment, the bags have evolved with fun new styles, including glitzy glitter, luxe leather-alternative styles, and even winter-ready fuzzy styles.—
-
The fuzzy shearling interior and buttery soft suede outer is worth all the hype, and the chestnut hue goes with legit everything.—
Adjective
-
Jens generally chooses his words carefully, and is, what’s more, particularly reticent just after finishing a long and difficult winter delivery trip; what’s a person supposed to do with words in a blizzard anyway, up on a stormy heath and all directions lost?—
-
In his first start in the wake of Beau Pribula’s significant injury, Zollers walked into a difficult situation, and his stat line reflected it.—
Adjective
-
Despite already having declared her candidacy, McKnight voiced disturbing and violent threats against Sheehy.—
-
This story contains a description of a shooting some readers may find disturbing.—
Adjective
-
Gwyneth Paltrow whipped up her famous boyfriend-breakfast in a silky navy set, Kate Hudson sat for hair and makeup in a knitted turtleneck combo, and Demi Moore hung out with family in a gingham two-piece.—
-
Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer Of course, my breakouts don’t magically disappear, but the silky-smooth formula evens my skin tone and gives a blurring, Facetune-like effect IRL.—
Adjective
-
The Heat’s rough night began with a disastrous start, trailing 36-12 just 10 minutes into the contest.—
-
Marty’s face prominently features a scar on his cheekbone and additional scarring under his chin, suggesting a rough life.—
Adjective
-
The commission said the report overlooks other time-sensitive cases that don't require intake appointments.—
-
Cold conditions may damage or kill sensitive crops, plants, and vegetation if appropriate precautions are not taken.—
Adjective
-
Neighbors fear rising violence Residents said the shooting has left them uneasy.—
-
But by evening, an uneasy calm had settled across the city.—
Cite this Entry
“Hairy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hairy. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share